Woodbury Requests Federal Funding For Flood Gates: Report

WOODBURY, CT — The town of Woodbury is seeking a federal grant for $100,000 for flood gates, according to FOX 61. The move comes after Pomperaug River waters rose quickly in a short time, resulting in the death of Connecticut State Police Sgt. Brian Mohl.

During the recent downpour associated with Hurricane Ida, the river rose 8 1/2 feet in a matter of hours, FOX 61 reported.

In the event of flooding, the gates would be locked to stop vehicle traffic along certain flood-prone roads, such as the vicinity of Three Rivers Park. The area is part of a flood plain between Jack's Bridge Road and Judson Avenue.

Mohl was working the midnight shift at Troop L earlier this month during the worst of the torrential rains, remnants of Hurricane Ida. At 3:30 a.m. state police received an emergency call from the sergeant that the waters were rising rapidly, and he was in distress. That was the last they heard from him, and at 4 a.m. state police sent "everyone available" to the scene. First responders including dive crews searched and at daybreak a helicopter was able to spot his vehicle submerged in water.

Mohl wasn't located in his cruiser, and he was found an hour later in the Pomperaug River. He was treated at the scene and taken by LifeStar helicopter to Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was presumed dead en route and was confirmed deceased at the hospital.

See related: Calling Hours, Funeral Details For Fallen CSP Sgt. Brian Mohl