New Britain is getting $6.9 million in state grants to fix the chronic flooding around Allen Street, with construction on a new stormwater system, replacement sewer and water lines and road repairs scheduled to start early next year (via Gov. Ned Lamont's office).
The money comes from the State Bond Commission, which Lamont chairs. The governor's Oct. 21 announcement also includes $250,000 for a New Britain Homeowners Flood Compensation Program, approved by Lamont and the General Assembly this year, to help residents whose homes took on water.
"For years, these residents were told to wait while their basements flooded," Mayor Bobby Sanchez said in the release.
Residents near Allen Street have been pushing for this for a long time. NBC Connecticut reported in May that one resident at the bottom of the low-lying area said his pumps were "going night and day" to keep water out, and that the project had about $8 million lined up through state and federal infrastructure programs before the Bond Commission added $5 million to reach full funding. NBC said the plan included upgrading the stormwater system, replacing sewer and water lines, and diverting rainwater toward a nearby creek. The governor's release doesn't explain how this week's $6.9 million lines up with those earlier figures.
The scope gives a sense of the job. When the Bond Commission approved that $5 million in May, state Sen. Rick Lopes' office described the work as the Allen Street Drainage Improvements and Reconstruction Phase 2: replacing storm and sanitary sewer lines that went in more than 100 years ago and doing about 2,400 feet of full-depth reconstruction on Allen Street between Oak Street and Stanley Street. Lopes' office said much of the work is needed because existing sections run more than 17 feet deep through areas of high ledge.
The homeowner piece runs through the Office of the State Comptroller. Eligible residents will be contacted in the coming weeks about applying and scheduling damage assessments, the release says. Former state Rep. Peter Tercyak is volunteering to oversee final approval of applications, and the comptroller's office will pay out approved claims. Comptroller Sean Scanlon pointed to a similar program in Hartford.
Why it matters for Contractors
This is a deep, ledge-heavy utility and road job, so the prime will likely be a heavy civil outfit. Smaller shops should still pay attention. Keep an eye on the city's bid listings, where New Britain posts its purchasing bids; as of this week, nothing for Allen Street was posted. You can ask Purchasing Agent Amy Goldsberry (860-826-3434) to put you on a bid list, and Planning and Development project bids go through 860-826-3430. Primes on a job like this often need subs for paving, concrete, restoration and traffic control.
The homeowner money is the other angle. Once damage assessments start, Allen Street-area residents may be looking for basement cleanup, drywall, waterproofing and mechanical replacement work. If you're local, be ready to give clear, written estimates that will hold up in a claim review.