Hartford’s North End has seen significant improvements in its sewer system, thanks to a $170 million pilot program launched by the state and the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) in 2023. The program aims to address chronic flooding issues that have plagued the neighborhood for years.

Progress and Results

According to officials, about two-thirds of the funding has been spent to rehabilitate older sewer pipes, build separated stormwater collection systems, and install lateral lines or other backup prevention devices on more than 5,000 properties. Cynthia Jennings, a former Hartford city councilwoman and longtime community advocate, has seen the positive impact firsthand. Her home, which used to experience frequent sewage backups during heavy storms, is now dry thanks to the installation of a sump pump and new valves.

House Speaker Matt Ritter and Governor Ned Lamont have acknowledged the state’s past failures to address the issue and have committed to continuing the efforts to improve the sewer infrastructure. The MDC’s chief executive, Scott W. Jellison, emphasized that the work is ongoing and urged residents to contact the agency for help.

Challenges and Future Plans

The flooding problems in North Hartford stem from the city’s century-old wastewater infrastructure, which can become easily overwhelmed during storms. The state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has agreed to allow Clean Water Funds to be used to make repairs and install better infrastructure on private property, saving homeowners from costly renovations.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is also working with the state to address the issue of combined sewer overflows. The MDC has already spent over $1.8 billion on this effort throughout its service territory and plans to continue working on the North End pilot program for the next 20 years.

Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.