Town of Fairfield
Office of the First Selectwoman
Brenda L. Kupchick

For Immediate Release

TOWN PUBLISHES FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW

Fairfield Publishes Floodplain Management Plan Review as Part of its Continued Participation in FEMA's Community Rating System Program

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick announced that an updated review of Fairfield's Floodplain Management Plan is available for public's review on the town's Plan and Zoning Department website under the Forms and Documents tab.  Fairfield's flood reduction action items are located within MetroCOG's Multi-Town Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted in 2019 which is available on their website. Town staff from multiple departments collaborated on the review effort of action items which include prevention, property protection, floodplain management regulation, structural, natural systems protection, education and awareness, and emergency management in itiatives to help reduce Fairfield's future flood risk, protect lives, and reduce property damage.  Town Plan and Zoning staff presented the update to the Board of Selectman at their January 6, 2020 meeting.

The Town recently adopted new policy initiatives as part of the recently adopted Hazard Mitigation Plan including some of the following:

• Securing funds for the replacement of the Riverside Drive tide gate system expected in 2020;
• Advancing the South Benson pump station through final design;
• Protecting the Town's Waste Water Treatment Facility with a flood barrier funded through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program expected to be started in 2020; and
• Applying for additional grant funds to implement the Downton Green Infrastructure designs.

 The Town of Fairfield participates in FEMA's voluntary Community Rating System (CRS) which awards a rating to communities that go above and beyond the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood plain management requirements.  Fairfield's floodplain management efforts result in a 10 percent discount for its 2,271 policy holders or approximately $391,083 in annual savings.  Fairfield is only one of eight communities in the State that currently participate in the program.

 Questions regarding the plan can be directed to Jim Wendt at jwendt@fairfieldct.org.