Bridgeport, Conn., Launches Flood Control Project Post-Hurricane Sandy
Bridgeport, Conn., launched a resilience project to minimize flood risk and account for sea level rise affecting Bridgeport’s South End businesses and residents. The project, one of 13 awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is part of the $1B National Disaster Resilience Competition (NDRC), an initiative to help communities recover from disasters and safeguard against future hazards.
Arcadis, Waggonner & Ball, and Yale Urban Design Workshop have been selected by the city to design the flood control plan. Design features will include a combination of flood walls, raised corridors, embankments, interior drainage improvements, and green infrastructure, all integrated with Bridgeport’s South End.
The project includes the continuation of a Rebuild by Design pilot project, a $6.5 million storm water system. The pilot includes a 2.5-acre storm water park integrated into the community to store and manage rainfall runoff while relieving combined sewer system overflows. The park also will enhance recreation opportunities in the neighborhood.
The design phase of the project will run through this year with construction activities scheduled to begin in 2019.