The Lyndon Hazard Mitigation Committee has advanced two flood relief projects

The Lyndon Hazard Mitigation Committee has advanced two flood relief projects to the next step. Neither called for the removal of the Sanborn Covered Bridge. On Monday, the committee agreed to submit grant pre-applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for two projects.  One would replace dry culverts on Main Street with a dry bridge, to allow the Passumpsic River floodwaters to pass more easily.  The other would restore the floodplain at the former town garage site on Route 114 to catch Passumpsic River debris before it can reach and clog downstream bridges and culverts. Both projects would alleviate high water events at the north end of Main Street. For now, the Hazard Mitigation Committee will not pursue an option to remove the Sanborn Covered Bridge, which consultants SLR International said would deliver the greatest flood relief for the area. The bridge is undergoing a $2.2 million renovation, which is well underway, and committee members felt the project could be redesigned to address flood concerns. Although the bridge has been removed from its perch over the Passumpsic River, the contract to renovate it and return it to new abutments has not been put out to bid.