Southwestern Connecticut was hit with three major flooding events in 2007, and many residents and business owners are hoping 2008 proves to be a dry year.

The heavy rains in each storm caused floodwaters to rise on the streets of Norwalk, Darien and other locations. Months after the flooding began, many residents and businesses are still drying out and trying to rebuild what was damaged in the storms.

Some elected officials are trying to come up with plans to help minimize flooding issues for the upcoming new year. Norwalk Mayor Dick Moccia says the city is trying to address the problem.

?We [have] done a lot of vacuuming of the storm drains,? Moccia says.

Moccia adds that the city has also put money into studies of flood-prone streets and other areas.

Newly elected First Selectman Jeb Walker, of New Canaan, says his town also has plans of its own to deal with flooding. He says the first part of the plan involves mapping the drainage system.

For an extended interview with Walker, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.