senatedems.ct.gov · September 8, 2026
Senator Duff & Norwalk Delegation Secure $6.2 Million for Flood Relief, Meeting House, & Local Roads - Connecticut Senate Democrats
September 8, 2026
# Senator Duff & Norwalk Delegation Secure $6.2 Million for Flood Relief, Meeting House, & Local Roads
HARTFORD — The State Bond Commission’s September 8 agenda includes grants-in-aid to the City of Norwalk totaling more than $6.2 million, funding that Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and Norwalk’s Democratic state legislative delegation have advocated for on the city’s behalf. The package directs $4.7 million to flood mitigation in the New Canaan Avenue and Ponus Avenue area, $300,000 to the restoration of the historic West Norwalk Meeting House, and $1,234,725 in Town Aid Road funding for local road maintenance and improvements.
Flood mitigation in the New Canaan Avenue and Ponus Avenue area ($4.7 million): Administered through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, this grant will fund infrastructure to address the flooding that has affected homes, streets and businesses in the area during heavy storms. The funding is aimed at helping the neighborhood better manage severe weather and reduce the flooding that residents have dealt with for years.
West Norwalk Meeting House restoration ($300,000): Administered through the Department of Economic and Community Development, this grant will support foundation work, HVAC improvements, exterior repair and painting, and the installation of a new handicap-accessible ramp, preserving a community landmark and making it accessible to everyone.
Town Aid Road funding ($1,234,725): Administered through the Connecticut Department of Transportation, this money goes directly to Norwalk to maintain and improve local roads, with no local match required. The city decides which projects to fund, and eligible work ranges from road reconstruction and paving to bridge repair, snow plowing and sanding, tree trimming, and the upkeep of traffic signs and signals. The grant helps Norwalk keep the streets residents use every day safe and in good repair.
“For years, families in the New Canaan Avenue and Ponus Avenue area have watched the water rise every time a big storm rolls through. This funding will protect their homes, their streets, and their neighborhood from the kind of severe weather we are seeing more and more of along the Sound,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “And restoring the West Norwalk Meeting House brings a piece of our history back to life and, with a new accessible ramp, opens its doors to everyone. It also strengthens the local roads families drive every day, to work, to school, and to practice, with more than $1.2 million to keep them paved, plowed, and safe. Norwalk keeps growing, and this is how we keep our city safe, welcoming, and moving forward. I want to thank Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for standing with Norwalk, and I’m proud to have fought for this alongside our whole delegation.”
“This is wonderful news for Norwalk. West Norwalk Meeting House is an important cultural institution, and this much needed financial boost will greatly benefit their restoration project. I am also elated that the City received a grant to address flooding in the New Canaan/ Ponus Ave. area. As storms become more frequent, it is of the utmost importance that we improve our infrastructure to ensure all of our residents are safe and protected. Thank you to the bond commission for this round of funding,” said Rep. Roberts.
“This $5 million investment is about protecting Norwalk’s residents while preserving an important part of our city’s history. The $4.7 million for the New Canaan Avenue and Ponus Avenue area will allow us to address chronic flooding with infrastructure improvements designed to better protect homes, businesses and our roadways during severe storms. Residents should not have to live with the uncertainty and financial burden that repeated flooding can bring. The additional $300,000 for the West Norwalk Meeting House will help preserve a historic community landmark while making needed improvements, including greater accessibility. These are the types of state investments that have a direct and lasting impact on the quality of life in our neighborhoods. I appreciate Governor Lamont, the State Bond Commission, Senator Duff and my colleagues in the Norwalk delegation for continuing to work together to bring state resources back to our city,” said Rep. Travis Simms.
“Thank you to Governor Lamont and the bond commission for your continued investment in Norwalk. The neighborhood near New Canaan and Ponus Avenue is susceptible to flooding, and because of an increase in rainfall, this issue is constantly impacting residents and businesses in the area. This funding will provide much needed relief and will keep everyone safe. I am also thrilled that the West Norwalk Meeting House will receive funding to continue their restoration project,” said Rep. Johnson.
“I am grateful that this critical investment in flood mitigation for New Canaan and Ponus Avenues is part of the bonding agenda,” said Rep. Lucy Dathan (D-Norwalk/New Canaan). “This project will strengthen our communities, protect homes and businesses, and enhance our long-term resilience to extreme weather events. Taking proactive steps to address flood risks and ensuring that our infrastructure is better prepared to withstand future challenges is what responsible leadership and a commitment to our communities are all about.”
“This $4.7 million in state funding is a major investment in protecting our neighborhoods and addressing the flooding challenges that have impacted residents in the New Canaan Avenue and Ponus Avenue area for far too long,” said Mayor Barbara Smyth. “This project represents an important step forward in building the infrastructure Norwalk needs to better manage severe weather and reduce flooding. I am incredibly grateful to Senator Bob Duff for his continued advocacy and partnership in securing this critical funding for our community.”
The flood mitigation and Meeting House grants are part of the Office of Policy and Management’s grants-in-aid for urban development on the September 8 Bond Commission agenda. The $1,234,725 Town Aid Road grant is distributed to Norwalk through the Connecticut Department of Transportation and requires no local match. All three items are directed to the City of Norwalk.
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