Schrems opens 6.6 million euro flood protection project

The town of Schrems in the Gmünd district opened a flood protection project on Sunday, ORF reported. The measures are intended to protect about 300 people and 130 buildings along the Braunaubach creek from a once-in-a-century flood. The federal government, the state of Lower Austria and the town invested 6.6 million euros.

The project centred on widening the creek’s flow profile and adjusting the gradient of its bed over a stretch of about one kilometre. Existing bank slopes and protections were partly renovated, while retaining walls were raised or modified.

The Park Bridge in the upper section of the project and the sports-field footbridge were also renewed and enlarged. Additional protective measures were introduced for some buildings.

The creek was also upgraded ecologically by reshaping its bed with existing substrate and adding bed sills and groynes. The banks were secured with large stones.

The federal government and Lower Austria each provided 2.64 million euros, while the Schrems municipal government contributed 1.32 million euros.

Mayor David Süß said the town was preparing a new hazard zone plan following the flooding in 2024. The plan is intended to provide the basis for future flood protection projects in the municipality.

Lower Austria has implemented about 800 flood protection projects since 2002, according to Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf. He said the measures had made more than 300 municipalities safer. Environmental Minister Norbert Totschnig said investment in flood protection also supported greater safety, a healthy environment and the future.