Larson Secures Federal Resources for Local Flood Mitigation

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which included his request for three flood mitigation studies in the First District and $50 million project to improve wastewater infrastructure and stormwater management in Hartford. 

“With extreme weather—fueled by climate change—on the rise, our region has not been spared,” said Larson. “Connecticut has become more prone to severe flooding, communities across the state have made it a priority to invest in more resilient infrastructure to protect homes and businesses before disaster hits. I am proud to champion these four projects that will better prepare communities across the First District for natural disasters, including Southington, Torrington, Hartford, and East Hartford. Following tonight’s bipartisan vote, I urge the Senate to act swiftly so local leaders can start working directly with federal officials to strengthen stormwater management and protect residents from devastating floods.”  

The Water Resources Development Act authorizes 133 new feasibility studies for locally proposed water resources infrastructure projects and 14 projects that have been vetted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including $50 million to improve wastewater infrastructure and stormwater management in Hartford, a feasibility study to modify the Naugatuck River Flood Damage Reduction System in Torrington, a Connecticut River Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study, and a study of the Eightmile Rivershed in Southington.