CITY’S WORK ON INFRASTRUCTURE PAYS OFF

Region Hit With Heavy Rain & High Tides But Little Flooding For Revere

Mayor Thomas G. Ambrosino was pleased that the City’s ongoing flood prevention efforts and infrastructure maintenance work played an effective role in sparing Revere’s neighborhoods from flooding in the wake of last week’s rain and tidal storm.

While some of Revere’s neighboring cities and towns experienced substantial flooding during last Wednesday’s all-day storm, Revere saw the fruits of its labor as neighborhoods known to have traditional flood spots were spared. As rain fell for most of last Wednesday, tides on Boston’s North Shore rose 12.3 feet – one of the highest points recorded the entire year. That could have meant flooded streets, backyards and basements for many Revere residents in areas like Oak Island, Asti Avenue, Bruno Street, and the Point of Pines. Instead, the City watched as improved drainage and newly installed flood prevention efforts proved effective. With the exception of some minor problems in Riverside and Pearl Avenue, the City generally survived the storm unscathed.

“Traditionally, this City has seen its share of bad storms and flooding,” said Mayor Ambrosino. “In the past, a storm of last week’s magnitude would have flooded many of Revere’s neighborhoods and streets. Our success during this storm is a testament to the drainage system work and investment we’ve made to address Revere’s flooding concerns,” Mayor Ambrosino said.

Many of the problems during exceptionally high tides or excessive rains occur because there is no place for the water to go. Instead, the water rushes in and stays in low points, like basements, yards and streets.

Department of Public Works Superintendent Donald Goodwin said his department has been working for the last two years clearing county ditches, cleaning storm drains, laterals and catch basins to improve the situation. The City has also invested heavily in new drain lines and a series of self-regulating tide gates on North Shore Road and along Routes 1 and 1A.

“We’ve been working all along in anticipation of a storm like the one we saw on November 5th,” said Superintendent Goodwin. “The maintenance of the City’s drainage system definitely helped get the water to where it had to go, and the new tide gates greatly relieved trouble spots in Oak Island, off Revere Street and in Ward 6. While some streets did see minimal flooding, most residents were spared water in their basements,” Superintendent Goodwin said.

According to Mayor Ambrosino, even though the City saw success in the aftermath of last week’s storm, it still has work to do. “Flood prevention and relief remains a priority on our agenda,” said Mayor Ambrosino. “In fact, a major $1.2 million flood control project, including the City’s eleventh self-regulating tide gate, is poised to commence in the Oak Island area, and we are investigating the option of a new, small pump station on Taft Street to address flooding in that area. Mayor Ambrosino concluded, “Rough weather is no stranger to Revere. It’s just that we’re now becoming better prepared to deal with the storms we know are on the horizon.”

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