Greenwich Receives $40M To Decrease Byram River Flooding

GREENWICH, CT — The town of Greenwich recently received $40 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help decrease flooding risks along the Byram River.

The funding will be allocated for Fiscal Year 2022, which began on Oct. 1, 2021. U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers are involved in a project that will remove and replace two bridges along Route 1 that obstruct the flow of the river at times and lead to flooding.

Flooding risks were once again highlighted in Greenwich, especially in Pemberwick, after the remnants of Hurricane Ida slammed into Fairfield County in early September. In December, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4th) and Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo presented the project to the public.

View the entire presentation on YouTube.

"For years, and especially in the wake of Ida, my constituents have suffered regular flooding from the Byram River," said Himes in a news release. "I heard the concerns of Pemberwick residents, worked with partners at the Army Corps of Engineers and the town of Greenwich, and fought for, voted for, and brought home funding that will let us make these needed improvements to decrease flooding."

In his weekly email blast last Friday, Camillo thanked Himes for his work to secure the funds.

"I thank Jim for his efforts and look forward to working with him, the Army Corps of Engineers in bringing this project to fruition," Camillo said. "The flooding has been a perennial problem for decades. There is much work to be done as it also will require involvement with New York State, the Village of Port Chester and Westchester County. Your continued patience is appreciated as we negotiate the various local, regional, state and federal channels to make this project a reality."

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) praised the project and funding.

"Last summer’s devastating floods demonstrate the critical need for this federal funding to protect communities along the Byram River," said Blumenthal in a news release. "Real relief from flooding and other problems is well deserved and overdue. This money makes a big difference in safety and quality of life."