PLAINVILLE –Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5), and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) announced a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant totaled at $1.3 million for the Town of Plainville. The grant will fund the acquisition of nine residential properties near the Pequabuck River and convert the properties to open space.

“For too long, families along the Pequabuck River in Plainville have been forced to deal with the consequences of severe flooding. I’m thrilled that homeowners will enjoy well-deserved relief and that the town of Plainville will now be able to transition these flood-prone properties into a safe, open space for all residents to enjoy. Thanks to FEMA, we can now ensure the safety of our residents and sustainability of our land,” said Senator Murphy.

“I congratulate the Town of Plainville on receiving this critical grant. To keep our communities safe, we must ensure that our flood-prone areas are prepared in the event of an emergency. I applaud FEMA for making this wise investment to help both the Plainville community and our environment,” said Rep. Esty.

“For years, Plainville homes along the Pequabuck River have faced severe, sustained and frequent flooding, causing physical and financial hardships. These FEMA funds will provide long-needed relief to these nine families, and to the Town of Plainville. FEMA’s wise investment will generate long-term taxpayers savings, and look forward to working closely with the Town through the completion of this important work, ” said Senator Blumenthal.

“The Town of Plainville is thrilled to be receiving this funding from FEMA. Future floods are expected, and, especially after Tropical Storm Irene, we want to make sure that our community is prepared. Property acquisition is necessary because it will eliminate the hazards and losses experienced when flooding occurs,” said Town Manager Robert E. Lee. “This is a long term solution for those homeowners whose lives are disrupted by flooding.”

The nine properties to be acquired historically experience flooding when Pequabuck River overflows. Unless the use of the structures are discontinued or significantly modified, future flooding events will continue to result in risk to residents, first responders, and costly property damage. The last severe storm, Tropical Storm Irene, occurred in August 201 and left several families displaced in Plainville. In addition, flooding has caused health concerns from mold and e-coli.

Upon acquisition of the properties, the Town of Plainville will complete an environmental assessment in preparation for demolition of the structures. These areas will then be maintained as open space with future development restricted by the State of Connecticut and FEMA.