We, the undersigned residents, business owners, taxpayers, and stakeholders of Southern Connecticut, respectfully call upon state and local leaders to prioritize the modernization of stormwater and drainage infrastructure throughout New Haven and Fairfield Counties.

Much of the region's drainage infrastructure was designed decades ago under weather assumptions that no longer reflect current conditions. Residents throughout Southern Connecticut continue to experience recurring flooding, roadway closures, property damage, erosion, sewer overflows, and public safety risks resulting from increasingly intense rainfall events.

Communities in New Haven County and Fairfield County have repeatedly faced:

• 1. Flooded roads and transportation disruptions
  2. Damage to homes, businesses, and public facilities
  3. Public health concerns from stormwater contamination and sewer backups
  4. Reduced resilience to severe weather events. 

We urge state and local leaders to:

1. Conduct Comprehensive Infrastructure Assessments 
Perform county-wide evaluations of existing stormwater systems, culverts, drainage channels, and flood-prone areas to identify critical deficiencies everywhere, not just in the high risk areas. 

2. Facilitate Knowledge
Develop and publish a transparent list of drainage channels in neighborhoods that are easy to read so residents can be aware of the drains that operate around their homes, as well as increased communication during flash floods and other emergencies.

3. Increased Transparency
Create a publicly accessible dashboard showing flood mitigation projects, and project status/timelines that is updated consistently, not just following major flooding events.

4. Incorporate Climate Resilience Standards
Require new infrastructure projects to account for future rainfall intensity projections rather than relying solely on historical precipitation data.

We recognize recent efforts in the state to allocate funding to improving infrastructure and flood mitigation, but it cannot be limited to just select areas. Southern Connecticut's residents deserve infrastructure that is safe, resilient, and capable of protecting our communities from increasingly frequent and severe flooding events. Delaying investment will only increase future repair costs, economic losses, and risks to public safety.

We respectfully request immediate action and a publicly communicated plan to modernize stormwater and drainage infrastructure throughout New Haven and Fairfield Counties.

Signed,

Residents and Stakeholders of Southern Connecticut

By signing this petition, you are taking a stand for safer streets, homes, and neighborhoods. Let us work together to ensure that no family has to endure the hardship and anxiety caused by preventable flooding.