City officials confirmed last week they are seeking a major grant to close the gap in the funding of the Allen Street Utility-Road Phase II project where flooding and sewage overflows have caused problems in the neighborhood for decades.
The regional Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) received the New Britain application for $5 million to add to state and local funds already identified for implementation, Mayor Bobby Sanchez said.
On January 21st, Sanchez and Public Works Director Mark Moriarty held a meeting to update residents and Ward 4 alderpersons with a new plan to finance the project that included the LOTCIP grant program that is funneled to towns through the Capitol Region Council of Governments.
New Britain and other communities receive annual LOTCIP entitlement funds in local aid packages to make street and infrastructure improvements, including the street paving program. The grant for Allen Street would be over and above the regular allocation that totaled $1,515,489 in 2025. The CRCOG-LOTCIP program entertains larger projects in the central CT area.
The project encompasses 3,500 feet of roadway improvements and utility upgrades from Oak Street down to Beacon Street on Allen Street. According to the plan developed for the city by Cardinal Engineering, an existing 24-inch storm drainage pipe will be replaced with new piping ranging in size from 48 to 66 inches. The existing 12-inch sanitary pipe will be replaced with a 24-inch pipe and a water main will also be replaced. Roadway reconstruction will include new curbing, sidewalks and driveway aprons in the project area.
Since the summer of 2023 a dramatic jump in flooding from extreme weather led to a public outcry in New Britain, especially from residents in the Overlook Avenue-McKinley Drive and Allen Street neighborhoods. The public pressure eventually led to new plans and capital funding for Allen and Overlook where extensive damage occurs. The city addressed flooding at Overlook and McKinley, a $2 million project, with remaining federal American Rescue Act funds last year.
Roxbury Road resident Frank Chase, hit hard by flooding to his home, has led efforts to secure infrastructure funding and mobilize support for project implementation.
City officials are counting on the $5 million CRCOG-LOTCIP grant request to be the catalyst for project implementation. The financial plan introduced in January seeks to raise $18 million in local, state and federal funding. Other sources of funding either committed or sought include:
- $6 million in local funding committed to date
- $2 million from CT Urban Action Grant from state bond commission to date (2025)
- $960,000 US EPA State Bond Request with $239,938 local share
- $4 million water infrastructure federal funding application.
John McNamara is a Ward 4 Alderman and the Common Council Majority Leader.
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