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Council authorizes design contract for Sono green infrastructure, salt marsh restoration
Summary
Norwalk authorized up to $395,724 for engineering and design with Arcadis US Inc. to develop green infrastructure and salt‑marsh restoration plans near the new South Norwalk school, funded in part by a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant.
The council unanimously approved a not‑to‑exceed $395,724 contract with Arcadis US Inc. for engineering design of a Sono green infrastructure and salt marsh restoration project.
Councilmember (voice 9), chair of public works, described the project as leveraging a federal grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to plan nature‑based stormwater solutions and marsh restoration near the Ruby Shaw School and adjacent corridors. Alexis Carrichetti, the city’s senior environmental officer and assistant director of planning and zoning, said the authorization covers design work only and is intended to position the city to seek additional federal funds for implementation. "We're not at implementation yet, but this is to tee the city up for, hopefully, additional federal funds," Carrichetti said.
Carrichetti described the project footprint as green infrastructure along Meadow Street extension and restoration work in a nearby marsh area where a causeway has restricted tidal flushing. The consultant will evaluate ways to increase saltwater inflow to support native marsh habitat while also considering flood protection for properties west of the marsh. Council discussion emphasized the project’s potential to mitigate flooding, restore native plants, and serve as a model for coastal resilience.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. Staff said design deliverables will support later construction funding requests.
