Chicopee tries to fix flooding problem

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Some Chicopee residents say big rain storms are a big problem, but the city is working towards a solution.

Residents on Lorraine Street and the surrounding area experience flooding when rain falls quickly. During the remnants of Hurricane Hanna last September the flooding was waist deep in the streets.

Residents like Brian Poirier had their houses flooded six times last year. He said he can't get rid of the mold on the walls, despite bleaching.

His family is preparing for the worst again this summer by putting anything important on pallets in the cellar.

The problem stems from the city's combined sewage and storm water run-off pipes, which is part of town-wide sewer work. When the rain comes too fast, it fills the pipes causing a backup.

Now the city is moving forward with a project, spending millions to solve the problem.

Brian's neighbor Robert Lussier said he's thankful.

"This project was not supposed to get done for another few years, but if it gets started in September, that will help," he said.

But residents will still have to face this summer's storms. Poirier is concerned the problem could persist even after the work is done, because Lorraine Street is downhill of most of Chicopee.

"[The rain] all ends up down here and until they finish all the sewer projects there is no guarantee, no matter how much they spend," he said.

For now, all he and his neighbors can do is wait and see. Work may not be done until 2010.