Engineer estimates $300K'$600K to fix Station Street flooding; council discusses FEMA buyout alternative

Coventry officials on Nov. 18 reviewed an engineering study of chronic flooding on Station Street and heard a range of options and costs.

Town Manager Perillo said Parr Engineering's study (contract authorized by council at $32,000) recommended adding a 12-inch reinforced concrete pipe along Station Street at an estimated construction price of about $303,000. Engineering staff explained that a 12-inch pipe would still allow significant ponding and that a 24-inch solution would markedly reduce ponding time but could raise construction costs toward $600,000 because of downstream connection limitations and additional necessary upgrades.

Council members debated fault and responsibility for recurring runoff. The engineer described the watershed as roughly 14.4 acres with over two acres impervious and warned that upstream development and existing downstream constraints limit how effectively a local pipe can fully eliminate ponding. The town manager said FEMA buyouts are one potential alternative, noting an example split of 75/25 (FEMA/town) for property acquisition; staff also reported the homeowner had offered to sell at $685,000, which the manager said the town could not feasibly absorb.

Councilmember discussion focused on whether to seek bids to reduce cost estimates, pursue grants, adopt a phased plan to set aside capital for a multi-year project, or consider acquiring the flood-prone property for open-space retention. No final procurement decision was made at the meeting.

Next steps: Staff will explore bidding, potential funding sources (including FEMA), and return with more-detailed cost estimates and funding options.