SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington has secured a $275,625 federal grant to fund a flood mitigation study aimed at reducing chronic flooding in the Plantsville section of town, local and federal officials announced Friday.
State Rep. Chris Poulos, D-Southington, joined Democratic Connecticut U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Southington Town Manager Alex Ricciardone, and Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto at a news conference to announce the funding.
The grant will support a federal flood survey study designed to identify strategies for reducing flooding in downtown Plantsville, improving public safety, and strengthening municipal infrastructure.
In a statement, Ricciardone called the award "a significant milestone."
"This study marks a significant milestone in mitigating local flooding to enhance public safety and reinforce municipal infrastructure," Ricciardone said.
According to Poulos' office, the study is intended to help the town identify the most effective ways to protect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure from future flooding as severe weather events become more frequent.
The funding was secured through a partnership involving Blumenthal, Murphy, U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, and Poulos.
The announcement was made during a press conference on Friday morning at 9 W. Main St. in Southington.
Officials said the study represents the next step in the town's long-term efforts to address flooding in the Plantsville area while supporting future economic development.
Located along the Quinnipiac River, Plantsville has experienced recurring flooding for decades, with severe storms and heavy rainfall periodically threatening homes, businesses, roads, and infrastructure, Poulos said in a statement Friday.
The study will evaluate existing conditions, identify potential flood mitigation strategies, and position the town to compete for future state and federal funding for flood-control and infrastructure improvement projects as extreme weather events become more frequent, he said.
The town said it was pleased with the funding.
“The engineering department is very pleased on behalf of the town regarding the award of the Plantsville flooding study grant,” said the Southington Engineering Department in a statement.
Poulos said the federal grant "builds on the momentum" of a broader effort to revitalize the Village of Plantsville.
In June 2023, the State of Connecticut invested $4.3 million in the Plantsville Safety and Streetscape Project, redesigning portions of West Main and South Main Streets to improve public safety for pedestrians and drivers, support economic development, and enhance the character of the village center.
"When we invested in traffic safety and beautification projects, the goal was not only to improve the quality of life but also to attract visitors, support local businesses, and encourage economic development,” Poulos said. "Reducing flood risks helps protect those investments and ensures that Plantsville remains a safe, vibrant, and resilient community for generations to come."
“It is critical that communities have the resources to prepare for and recover from flooding and other severe weather events,” said Eucalitto in a statement. “This funding will help identify a long-term plan to reduce flood risks for residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure in Southington.”
The town has also invested in the future of the village through the acquisition of the former Zommer property and installation of a pocket park in the heart of Plantsville.
The project has created new opportunities for beautification, public gathering space, and future improvements in a highly visible gateway to the village, said Poulos, who represents most of Southington.
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