NORWALK, Conn. — The Norwalk Water Pollution Control Authority on Dec. 15 said it has closed on 493 Connecticut Avenue and plans to build a new wastewater pump station at the site to move critical infrastructure out of the floodplain.

"So I'm pleased to inform that we close on 493 Connecticut Avenue on Thursday. So we own the property now," a WPCA staff member said during the authority's meeting. Staff said they have ordered a survey, are finalizing a site plan and design work, and expect to begin construction after tenants at the existing building are relocated.

The staff presentation laid out a preliminary schedule that depends first on tenant relocation; staff estimated that process could take "within 4 to 6 months," after which the authority would demolish the existing structure and begin construction of the new pump station. The presentation said the new facility is intended to sit outside the flood zone, increase capacity in the area and improve reliability.

The authority has begun design work and said a site plan and revised design will be completed before construction moves forward. Staff described the purchase and relocation plan as a long-term investment: "I believe that this decision will affect generations to come," the staff member said.

Authority members asked clarifying questions about timing and process. Staff cautioned that the time from design completion to construction is "too premature" to predict, noting the relocation of tenants is the "critical path." No formal vote or funding authorization for construction was recorded at the meeting; staff will return with additional details and next steps as designs advance.

The transaction gives the WPCA property control at a site staff called an "economic corridor" for Norwalk, and officials said the change will remove reliance on private property owners for access and operations at the current pump station location.

Next steps: staff will complete the site survey and finish design work, proceed with tenant relocation over the coming months, and return to the authority with a construction timeline and cost estimates.