Larson Announces $200,000 to Address Levee Systems Along the Connecticut River

Washington, D.C. - Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced that his $200,000 Community Funding Request to begin the process to update the levee systems in Hartford and East Hartford has been included in the House Energy and Water/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers appropriations bill. This funding would go to the City of Hartford for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin a feasibility report to address deficiencies in Hartford and East Hartford's Flood Damage Reduction System along the Connecticut River. This request will fund one year of work on the study. Importantly, the funding bill also includes a 'new start,' which will allow the project to more easily receive funding in future years.

'The levees protecting us from flooding in Hartford and East Hartford were built more than 70 years ago,' said Larson. 'A levee breach would be catastrophic to the Capital Region, proving much more costly than simply repairing them now. We know that these systems are in need of an update, and I am pleased to finally announce that funding to address these deficiencies will move to the House floor.'

'Improving our flood control system is one of the key climate resiliency priorities for our community, and that's why we're devoting a portion of our American Rescue Plan funds to make critical, much-needed investments,' said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. 'This funding for the Army Corps of Engineers will help inform our ongoing work to strengthen the flood control system, and I'm very grateful to Congressman Larson for recognizing the importance of that work.'

'Investment in the levee systems in East Hartford and Hartford are critical and necessary for the economic growth and prosperity of our region. The feasibility study will identify deficiencies and ensure the safeguarding of our respective communities,' said East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc.

###