Ward 4 Council Members, Ortiz-Luna and McNamara, Praise and Provide Information on New Flood Compensation Program

Ward 4 City Council member, Ald Luz Ortiz-Luna (D-4) and Ald John McNamara (D-4) are praising the launch of the New Britain Flood Compensation Program, which provides financial relief, related to flooding, to eligible homeowners in the Allen Street area.

The program was announced yesterday by Gov Ned Lamont (D), Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D), State Comptroller Sean Scanlon (D), State Rep David DeFronzo (D-26), other New Britain legislators, as well as McNamara and Ortiz Luna.

Ald Ortiz Luna and Ald McNamara said that, “The outdated infrastructure has been overwhelmed in recent years whenever a hard rain falls on the Allen Street neighborhood.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. We will continue to advocate for critical infrastructure needs in Ward 4 and throughout the city.”

A statement by Ald Ortiz Luna and Ald McNamara noted that the $250,000 program is for residents of, “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 Council members’ statement continued, “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.”

State Comptroller’s guidelines note that, “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.”

“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,” the Council members added.

Ald McNamara has authored articles on this topic at Opinion: CT must meet stormwater crisis with more aid and City Seeks $5 Million Grant For Allen Street Stormwater Project – New Britain Progressive Newspaper.

Ald McNamara (john.mcnamara@newbritainct.gov and 860-416-0665) and Ald Ortiz Luna (luz.luna@newbritainct.gov) provided their contact information for more information.

The State Comptroller’s office website for the program is https://osc.ct.gov/newbritainflood/.