New Britain Common Councilors Luz Ortiz-Luna and John McNamara (D-4) today praised the launch of a New Britain Flood Compensation Program that will provide financial relief to eligible homeowners in the Allen Street area.
City and state officials, including Governor Lamont, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, Mayor Bobby Sanchez and State Rep. David DeFronzo (D-26), announced the $250,000 program in the neighborhood bordered by Allen Street and Roxbury Road where heavy rains have repeatedly flooded property and basements with stormwater and sewage backups. The program is being administered by the Comptroller’s Office and administered locally by former State Rep. Peter Tercyak. Qualifying owners within the neighborhood’s boundaries may receive up to $2,500. “The homeowner must have paid out of pocket for flood-related costs at the eligible property, on or after July 4, 2023, and before the date of application. Any documented amount qualifies.” according to the state Comptroller’s guidelines that provides an application.
The compensation program coincides with the efforts by Mayor Bobby Sanchez and the city’s legislative delegation over the last year to secure the needed funding for the Allen Street Utility/Road Reconstruction from Oak Street to Beacon Street Project. To date the city has committed $6 million and the state $7 million to implement the improvements that are expected to take two to three years at an estimated cost of $16.5 million. Officials estimate that full funding will be attained through a combination of local, state or federal funds so that work can begin in 2027. The Mayor’s office is holding regular updates on the project for property owners.
Following the launch of the compensation program, Alderpersons Ortiz-Luna and McNamara stated:
“The outdated infrastructure has been overwhelmed in recent years whenever a hard rain falls on the Allen Street neighborhood. Out-of-pocket expenses have risen for homeowners over many years. A combination of deteriorating city pipes and extreme weather patterns have led to more than a dozen damaging floods in recent years. The city is also paying out more for damages to citizens who file claims after storms,” the Alderpersons said. “We will continue to advocate for critical infrastructure needs in Ward 4 and throughout the city.”
“We applaud the Sanchez Administration for making this project a priority and the city and state partnership that is providing immediate flood relief and ultimately support for capital improvements that will reduce the risks to property owners who we represent in the Allen Street area.”
For more information:
Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara, Democratic Majority Leader john.mcnamara@newbritainct.gov 860-416-0665
Ward 4 Alderwoman Luz Ortiz-Luna, Democratic Majority Whip
luz.luna@newbritainct.gov ,
Related stories by John McNamara
Opinion: CT must meet stormwater crisis with more aid
City Seeks $5 Million Grant For Allen Street Stormwater Project – New Britain Progressive Newspaper
