"What's past is prologue" when it comes to Connecticut River flooding, expert warns

The history of flooding along the 400-mile Connecticut River runs deep, and disaster management expert Josh Shanley says one flood should be instructive.

In his new book, Connecticut River Valley Flood of 1936, Shanley examines that devastating event, and warns that “past is prologue," calling for "a coordinated effort by many agencies on all fronts" to prepare for future flooding.

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, there are 284 high-hazard dams in Connecticut, and 21 miles of levees that protect $3.4 billion in property. Much of this infrastructure was installed nearly 90 years ago in the wake of the 1936 flood, Shanley explains, and "needs to be maintained, and in many cases upgraded."

Shanley is "concerned," noting that these systems were built to withstand "certain climate patterns, certain precipitation patterns." He says "the big question is whether they... even on a good day would have survived the different changing precipitation patterns and in-between droughts that we're anticipating."

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"Built in 1922, the Bridge Street Bridge connected road traffic in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, with Warehouse Point over the Connecticut River." From Joshua Shanley's new book, "The Connecticut River Valley Flood of 1936."

Joshua Shanley / National Archives

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"Men on a makeshift boat in Northampton during the flood. A major dike system would be built nearby, separating the neighborhood from the Connecticut River." From Joshua Shanley's new book, "The Connecticut River Valley Flood of 1936."

Joshua Shanley / Forbes Library

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"The Hartford Electric Light Company power station (built in 1921). Notice the distinct onion-shaped tower atop the box-like Colt Armory." From Joshua Shanley's new book, "The Connecticut River Valley Flood of 1936."

Joshua Shanley / National Archives

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"The Capitol Building in flooded Bushnell Park, downtown Hartford. The Connecticut River can be seen in the background." From Joshua Shanley's new book, "The Connecticut River Valley Flood of 1936."

Joshua Shanley / National Archives

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"The flooded Connecticut River spilled over into the southern end of Enfield Falls at Windsor Locks, Connecticut." From Joshua Shanley's new book, "The Connecticut River Valley Flood of 1936."

Joshua Shanley / National Archives

Plus, we hear about the nature-based flood resiliency plans being discussed in the coastal City of Groton. Economic Development Specialist Cierra Patrick gives an update on the city's Community Resilience Plan. For some low-lying neighborhoods, sea level rise and coastal flooding could be existential threats.

GUESTS:

• Joshua Shanley: Author, Connecticut River Valley Flood of 1936; Retired Firefighter-Paramedic in Emergency Management; Blogger, NewEnglandFloods.org
• Cierra Patrick: Economic Development Specialist, City of Groton
  

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