The town has secured a state grant to conduct a comprehensive drainage survey aimed at improving flood resilience. The initiative will involve mapping the drainage system, including culverts, bridges, canals, and roads, and creating a sophisticated software model to analyze rainfall impacts on these structures.

The project, which commenced in December, has already seen surveyors collect extensive data on the town's drainage assets. This data will be used to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS) database, allowing for better management and tracking of drainage infrastructure. The GIS will replace outdated hard-copy records, enabling town officials to efficiently access information about pipes, their sizes, materials, and maintenance history.

Key outcomes of the study include the ability to analyze storm events, particularly focusing on 100 and 500-year storm scenarios, which will help identify potential flooding issues. The modeling will allow for virtual testing of different drainage configurations to determine effective solutions for reducing flood risks.

While the study is purely analytical and does not involve physical alterations to the land or infrastructure, it will provide essential data for future capital improvement planning. The town aims to use the findings to apply for additional funding for projects that demonstrate potential improvements in flood management.

Public outreach is a significant component of the project, with the first meeting held to gather community input on critical assets and concerns. A second meeting will follow the completion of the modeling analysis early next year, where results will be shared with residents.

Overall, this initiative represents a proactive step towards enhancing the town's flood resilience and improving the management of its drainage systems, setting the stage for long-term planning and infrastructure improvements.