Fairfield launches updated flood resilience plans for Rooster River and Mill River

The Town Council of Fairfield, Connecticut, convened a special meeting on March 1, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding flood protection, climate resilience, and erosion control. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts and future plans aimed at addressing the town's vulnerability to flooding, particularly in relation to the Rooster River and downtown stormwater management.

The meeting began with a review of past initiatives, noting that earlier plans from around 2014 and 2015 were significantly influenced by Hurricane Sandy. This natural disaster catalyzed momentum for flood resilience planning, although not all efforts have yielded the desired outcomes. Council members acknowledged the importance of recognizing previous planning efforts, even those that did not meet expectations.

A key focus was the involvement of the Army Corps of Engineers, which has been conducting studies on flood risk reduction. While there is skepticism about the effectiveness of their recommendations, the council emphasized the need to extract useful insights from these plans.

The discussion then transitioned to specific projects completed in recent years. Notably, the Riverside Drive Ash Creek flood resilience concepts were finalized, aimed at mitigating storm surge impacts from Ash Creek. Additionally, a regional framework for coastal resilience was established, which included a proposal for a dune ridge along the beach south of Penfield.

The council also reviewed the engineered beach study, which is essential for securing FEMA reimbursement for beach erosion management. Furthermore, the downtown green infrastructure plan was mentioned, although it remains unbuilt. This plan aims to implement green infrastructure solutions to alleviate flooding in the downtown area.

The meeting concluded with a summary of ongoing and future projects, including the design of the South Benson Pumping Station, which aims to address storm surge waters north of Jennings Beach. While the costs associated with these projects have been a concern, the council remains committed to pursuing effective flood management strategies.

Overall, the meeting underscored Fairfield's proactive approach to enhancing its flood resilience and managing the impacts of climate change, with a focus on learning from past experiences and leveraging new strategies for future improvements.