Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Flood Mitigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
FEMA approves about $50,000 for Rivertown Trail riprap; larger mitigation options rejected
Summary
Deputy town staff said FEMA will reimburse the town for replacing riprap on the Rivertown Trail — an award estimated at roughly $50,000 — but declined funding for two larger mitigation options (gabion baskets and a concrete wall). Long-term river stabilization remains unresolved; board members discussed pursuing congressional assistance.
Town staff told the Parks Board that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved funding to replace riprap along the Rivertown Trail and that the award is roughly $50,000. The deputy town manager said FEMA declined two more extensive mitigation proposals — gabion baskets and a concrete wall — and indicated it would consider other mitigations separately.
Staff characterized the riprap award as reimbursable and said the town will proceed with riprap replacement while continuing to press for more robust, long-term stabilization. Board members noted that riprap is a short-term fix: if soil beneath the riprap is not repaired, future floods will likely undermine the repair. The deputy manager described options such as filling in soils above the riprap to reduce future scouring but said long-term work will wait pending additional study and funding.
Board members discussed engaging federal representatives to explore additional funding or technical assistance for a more durable solution. The deputy manager said he plans to meet with congressional staff to present the riverfront situation and seek possible support beyond FEMA's current determination.
Next steps: staff will accept and process the riprap reimbursement, continue inquiry with FEMA about other mitigations, and pursue potential congressional outreach to support a longer-term fix.
