HARTFORD LEVEE SYSTEM GETS GOOD RATING: 

FEMA LOOKING FOR NATIONWIDE UPGRADES

NEWS RELEASE

(July 3, 2007)--- Hartford’s Flood Control System is well maintained but recent changes in federal policy in this Post-Katrina era call for a closer review of flood protection systems nationwide.  Mayor Eddie A. Perez has signed an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) entering the City into a “Provisionally Accredited Levee” (PAL) program.  This means the City of Hartford has two years to complete all new certifications required.

Mayor Perez says, “This is a positive move--- in the wake of Katrina--- to make sure our families and our key public assets are safe and properly protected in case a devastating storm hits.  Hartford remembers its history well.  After the great floods of 1936 and 1938, the Army Corps of Engineers spent the equivalent of $1 billion to build our current Flood Control System to withstand the unthinkable.  The City is currently completing a $10 million capital improvement project on the levee that has received a positive response from Washington.”

In fact, a recent Army Corp of Engineers Inspection Report from December 2006 deemed the system in good condition.  Hartford’s proactive work also received national attention last fall from ABC’s “World News Tonight.”  

However, for more than two years, the City of Hartford has made a number of requests to the state and federal governments to assist in maintaining the levees and to this date there’s been no resources forthcoming.  The City is hopeful that there will be a renewed commitment from these levels of government to partner with Hartford so that our levees are maintained at a high state of readiness.

As part of this federal update, flood zone maps across the country will be modernized and modified if they contain areas protected by levees.  On Hartford’s maps, this modification is limited to the South Meadows, North Meadows and the extreme eastern portion of Downtown.  Residents, businesses, and community groups in these areas who want to learn more about this process are invited to a public information meeting on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at Bulkeley High School, 300 Wethersfield Avenue, in Hartford’s Barry Square neighborhood. 

Topics that will be discussed include:  an overview of Hartford’s Flood Protection System, Flood Zone Mapping, insurance recommendations, and preparedness planning.