Senator Maroney Welcomes $56,000 Grant to Upgrade Milford’s Shoreline Early Warning System
Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) is welcoming a grant, approved by the state bond commission to replace the Shoreline Early Warning System in Milford. The system notifies residents of impending storms, floods, and other emergencies.
The $56,000 grant is essential to ensure Milford maintains a reliable, modern emergency warning system for its vulnerable shoreline communities. Upgrading this infrastructure represents a critical investment in public safety, resilience, and disaster readiness.
“This funding will strengthen life safety and evacuation effectiveness, enhance coastal resiliency and emergency preparedness, and ensure a rapid and reliable dissemination of critical information,” said Sen. Maroney. “Our early warning system has served residents well for decades, but the equipment is aging and that’s not something we can afford when it comes to protecting lives during a hurricane or major coastal storm. With 17 miles of coastline, Milford is one of the most vulnerable communities in Connecticut and this funding ensures our residents will continue to have the modern, dependable warning system they deserve.”
The current siren system is aging, outdated and unreliable. The equipment has been in service for decades and is beyond its intended lifecycle. If it is not updated and fixed, it could present operational risks particularly during major storms.
Milford currently operates a shoreline early warning siren network that provides immediate, audible emergency notifications to residents and visitors during coastal storms, hurricanes, flooding, and evacuation events. The system consists of six pole-mounted dual-horn sirens capable of broadcasting siren tones followed by recorded or live voice instructions.
The sirens are located at Sand Street, Naugatuck Avenue & East Broadway, James Street, Bay Shore Drive, Morehouse Avenue, and Hillside Avenue & Edgefield Avenue.
Milford includes approximately 17 miles of coastline along Long Island Sound and the Housatonic River, placing it among Connecticut’s most storm and flood-vulnerable shoreline communities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov | 860-240-8671
