Lesser, Middletown Delegation Announce $12 Million in State Funding for Riverfront Project
Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), state Senator Mart Daugherty Abrams (D-Meriden), state Representative Brandon Chaffee (D-Middletown), state Representative Quentin “Q” Williams (D-Middletown), and Middletown Mayor Benjamin Florsheim announced new state funding for “Return to the Riverbend” Project in Middletown.
The Community Investment Funds (CIF) released $12 million to the city of Middletown for the project set to reconnect the community to the riverfront. The plan looks for the redevelopment of 220 acres of land located in downtown Middletown along the Connecticut river.
“This project, with potential that is almost immeasurable, will serve our residents and connect our neighborhoods to the riverfront,” said Sen. Lesser. “The Connecticut River is the beating heart of our region. This historic investment in Middletown’s riverfront will be transformative for our region and Middletown’s future. I’m deeply grateful to the Community Investment Fund for backing our proposal and investing a truly transformative project. This is the shot in the arm we have been hoping for.”
“I am thankful to the CIF for approving these funds,” said Sen. Daugherty Abrams. “This will further strengthen an already strong downtown Middletown and presents another great place for people to gather.”
“This is a great investment for Middletown and will help us realize the long awaited goal of a revitalized riverfront.” said Rep. Chafee. “This is the type of project we had in mind when we created the Community Investment Fund, and this funding will ensure we begin to build a vibrant riverfront for everyone to enjoy for generations. I’d like to thank the members of the CIF for approving this funding.”
“First, I want to say thank you to the Community Investment Fund (CIF) board for approving this vital funding to support the Middletown Riverfront Master Plan,” said Rep. Quentin “Q” Williams. “I am looking forward to the enormous economic impact this project will have and the ripple effect it will create including new businesses, new jobs, affordable housing, and increased tourism. This type of investment will help Middletown capitalize on existing unused and unproductive assets and reconnect the community to the Connecticut River, one of our town’s most vital natural resources.”
“It is impossible for me to overstate both how important this funding is to the next phase of Middletown’s riverfront, and how ideal the timing is with the recent completion of the Return to the Riverbend Master Plan,” said Mayor Florsheim. “The Middletown community offers its huge thanks to the CIF board and to Governor Lamont for their vote of confidence in this project, as well as our state delegation—Rep. Chafee, Rep. Williams, Sen. Lesser, and Sen. Abrams—for championing this application and helping to navigate it through state government. The message this sends to our residents, as well as to future development and funding partners, is clear: our City and State are committed to reconnecting our communities to the river—not just in words, but in actions.”
CIF Funding will specifically be used to complete remediation of the Peterson Oil Property, the Waste Water Treatment Plan, and Jackson Corrugated Container at 225 River Road, one of the few properties outside of the floodplain suitable for mixed use development. Additionally, it will include funding for engineering and 40% schematic design for public spaces including stabilization of the riverbank and resiliency of shoreline, flood mitigation, and help unlock 50 acres of public park space and 7 miles of pedestrian and bike friendly pathways. Furthermore, Middletown is seeking to construct a new Middletown High School Boathouse and create public access of the riverfront along Rt 9.
Kushner Opens First Meeting Of Working Group To Study Indoor Air Quality In School Buildings
Kushner Opens First Meeting Of Working Group To Study Indoor Air Quality In School Buildings
HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today kicked off the inaugural meeting of the state working group charged with studying indoor air quality in our schools – a 23-person group that includes private sector air quality companies, industrial hygienists, epidemiologists, and representatives from school boards, teachers, and towns.
Sen. Kushner is the Senate Co-Chair of the working group that was approved in the latest state budget and tasked with making recommendations by January 4, 2023 to the General Assembly related to indoor air quality in school buildings.
The group will address optimal humidity and temperature ranges to ensure healthy air and promote student learning; the threshold school air quality emergency conditions warranting temporary school closures; the criteria for rating the priority of heating, ventilation and air conditioning repair and remediation needs; optimal heating, ventilation and air conditioning system performance benchmarks for minimizing the spread of infectious disease; protocols to be used by school districts to receive, investigate and address complaints or evidence of mold, pest infestation, hazardous odors or chemicals and poor indoor air-quality; the frequency with which local school boards should be inspecting indoor air quality; and best practices for the proper maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditions systems in school buildings.
“I think during the pandemic we all realized that we had serious issues in keeping our children, our teachers and school staff safe, and it was very challenging because we had a lot of air quality issues,” Sen. Kushner said. “But we also know it’s an ongoing issue because there are other infectious diseases and viruses that spread like wildfire in our schools which impact student health and learning and the health of our educators. So while we’ve got a big lift in front of us, I know this group is committed to finding solutions and making recommendations that are going to benefit our children, our teachers, and everyone who works in and visits our schools across Connecticut.”
Senator Haskell Applauds State Infrastructure Grants In Redding, Weston, Westport
Senator Haskell Applauds State Infrastructure Grants In Redding, Weston, Westport
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) applauded new infrastructure funding for projects in Redding, Weston and Westport. This grant funding was made available through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, which supports small towns for economic development, community conservation and quality-of-life capital projects. A combined $953,000 will be released to the three towns for the installation of a walking path in Redding, infrastructure upgrades at the Weston Police Department and sidewalk replacements in Westport.
“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for approving these critical requests, as I know they will help to keep my constituents safe,” said Sen. Haskell. “As a proud graduate of Greens Farms Elementary School (and someone who occasionally walked to school), I’m especially excited to see increased investments in sidewalks that will protect students, teachers and families around the school. With towns chipping in for these projects as well, these projects are a great example of local and state government coming together to improve quality of life in our community.”
“I applaud Governor Lamont’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents across Connecticut and especially here in Redding where we have received two very important competitive grants from the State in the last year,” said Redding First Selectwoman Julia Pemberton. “The support from Senator Haskell and Rep. Anne Hughes also paved the way for this award, no pun intended. The funds from this STEAP grant will provide a safe walkable, ADA accessible, pathway for all residents, incorporating exercise elements and seating along the way. Redding’s beautiful and rural environment, with its narrow and winding roads, makes the safety of walking/jogging along the roads questionable, but this work will keep pedestrians safe.”
“Coming out of the pandemic, our residents have rediscovered the health benefits of walking. We have prioritized enhancing pedestrian safety, specifically around our schools,” said Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker. “These STEAP grant funds will accelerate our efforts to replace sidewalks leading to Greens Farms Elementary School. Westport is working hard to ensure our sidewalk network provides safe paths for our residents.”
Funding through the STEAP grants will support:
- $203,856 in state grants for the installation of a walking and fitness path in Redding, matched by $69,564 in town funds
- $500,000 in state funding for building renovations at the Weston Police Department, matched by $264,926 in town funds
- $250,000 in state funding for the replacement of sidewalks near Green Farms School, matched by $100,000 in town funds
Farmington Legislators Welcome $500,000 State Grant for Farmington Community Project
Farmington Legislators Welcome $500,000 State Grant for Farmington Community Project
Today, state Senator Rick Lopes, state Senator Derek Slap, and state Representative Mike Demicco, members of the Farmington legislative delegation, welcomed the awarding of a $500,000 state grant for Farmington through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP). The substantial grant will support the installation of a splash pad and pickleball court at the Westwoods recreation complex. It will be matched by $485,000 from the town.
“My thanks to Governor Lamont for his approval of this tremendous grant for the Farmington community. This funding partnership between the state and local levels advances a project that will grow outdoor recreational activities for kids and families,” said Sen. Lopes.
“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont in making these approvals, which will provide new recreational benefits for all of Farmington,” said Sen. Slap. “What’s even better is this grant will be supported with town funding, making this a partnership between local and state officials for the good of all residents and maximizing use of taxpayer dollars.”
“This substantial grant will assist the Town of Farmington in transforming the Westwoods Drive complex into a multi-generational recreational facility,” said Rep. Demicco. “It will enhance our quality of life by providing expanded athletic, social and recreational opportunities. My thanks to Governor Lamont and the Office of Policy and Management.”
STEAP is a state program dedicated to providing grants to Connecticut’s small towns to support projects that will benefit economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life. Towns seeking to participate in the program were required to submit applications before a mid-August 2022 deadline. The recipient towns will soon receive official award notification and instructions from the state’s Office of Policy and Management.
Senator Maroney Announces Infrastructure Grants Approved for Milford and Woodbridge
Senator Maroney Announces Infrastructure Grants Approved for Milford and Woodbridge
Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) announced that Milford and Woodbridge were approved to receive grant funding through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, which supports small towns for economic development, community conversation and quality-of-life capital projects. A combined $1 million will be released to the two towns.
“I want to extend a huge thank you to Governor Lamont for approving this funding that will help to support both of these projects in our community,” said Sen. Maroney. “Both will have a resounding impact on our residents that will have great benefits for the future of our district.”
Funding through the STEAP grants will support:
- $500,000 in state funding is approved for a roof replacement project at Simon Lake in Milford. This will be matched by $180,732.43 from the town.
- $500,000 in state funding is approved for the renovation of Woodbridge Center Gym. This will be matched by $106,687 from the town.
Sen. Hartley Welcomes $414,400 for Middlebury Infrastructure Project
Sen. Hartley Welcomes $414,400 for Middlebury Infrastructure Project
Today, state Senator Joan Hartley (D–15th Senate District) applauded the approval of a $414,400 state grant in support of a pedestrian connectivity sidewalk project in Middlebury. The Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant for Middlebury will support an infrastructure upgrade benefiting Middlebury’s central historic district. The grant will be matched by $103,600 from the town.
“My many thanks to Governor Lamont and his administration for their support of the Middlebury community and approving this major grant. This state funding is key to advancing Middlebury’s sidewalk project. The completion of this economic development project will further scale local quality of life opportunities,” said Sen. Hartley.
The STEAP grant approved for Middlebury is part of state grants awarded to 77 small towns in Connecticut that will receive funding to support projects contributing to economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects.
Senator Osten Announces State Funding For Hebron And Lisbon Infrastructure Projects
Senator Osten Announces State Funding For Hebron And Lisbon Infrastructure Projects
State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed the release of nearly $1 million in state Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) funds for local infrastructure improvements in Hebron and Lisbon.
Governor Ned Lamont announced today that Hebron will receive $493,200 in state funding for the installation of a pedestrian bridge on Pendleton Drive (to be matched with $100,000 from Hebron), and that Lisbon will receive $500,000 in state funding for sidewalk rehabilitation at Strawberry Fields (to be matched with $100,000 from Lisbon).
“Connecticut makes regular, important investments in its small towns, and today is another example of that with the release of these STEAP grants as approved by the State Bond Commission,” Sen. Osten said. “Any time we can take some of the burden off of local taxpayers to make solid, long-lasting investments in their communities is a good thing”.
STEAP funds are issued by the State Bond Commission and can only be used for capital projects. A project is considered to be a capital project if it is new construction, expansion, renovation or replacement for an existing facility or facilities. Project costs can include the cost of land, engineering, architectural planning, and contract services needed to complete the project.
Sen. Cabrera Announces Infrastructure Grants Approved for Beacon Falls, Bethany and Woodbridge
Sen. Cabrera Releases Statement Requesting Insurance Regulators Deny Rate Hikes
Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) announced three towns will receive grant funding through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, which supports small towns for economic development, community conversation and quality-of-life capital projects. A combined $1.4 million will be released to Beacon Falls and Bethany for road improvements and Woodbridge for the renovation of the Woodbridge Center Gym.
“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for making these approvals for the towns of Beacon Falls, Bethany and Woodbridge,” said Sen. Cabrera. “The towns are also contributing to these important projects which will benefit drivers and pedestrians in Beacon Falls and Bethany, and all those who enjoy using the Woodbridge Center Gym.”
Funding through the STEAP grants will support:
- Beacon Falls: $500,000 in state funding is approved for a road improvement project at Church Street. This will be matched by $580,000 from the town.
- Bethany: $404,696 in state funding is approved for road improvements that will ensure access to essential facilities and roads. This will be matched by $101,174 from the town.
- Woodbridge: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the renovation of Woodbridge Center Gym. This will be matched by $106,687 from the town.
Senator Needleman Announces Infrastructure Grants Approved For Clinton, Old Saybrook, Westbrook
Senator Needleman Announces Infrastructure Grants Approved For Clinton, Old Saybrook, Westbrook
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) announced that Clinton, Old Saybrook and Westbrook were approved to receive grant funding through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, which supports small towns for economic development, community conservation and quality-of-life capital projects. Approximately $1,486,000 will be distributed to the three towns for, respectively, an upgrade to Clinton’s radio communication systems and the combined installation of two sidewalks projects on Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook and Westbrook.
“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont in making these approvals, which will benefit infrastructure in our communities,” said Sen. Needleman. “They will allow for radio communication improvements in Clinton, improving local safety, while also installing new sidewalks on Boston Post Road for pedestrian access in Old Saybrook and Westbrook. Clinton, Old Saybrook and Westbrook leaders should be lauded. Additionally, Old Saybrook and Westbrook should be highlighted for collaborating on their projects, which will connect to each other. I’m encouraged to see these important local projects move forward.”
Funding approvals include:
- $500,000 in state funding for an upgrade to Clinton’s town’s radio communication system, matched by $182,000 from the town
- $500,000 in state funding approved for sidewalks in Old Saybrook on Route 1 from the Westbrook town line to Old Post Road
- $486,000 in state funding for the installation of sidewalks in Westbrook on Boston Post Road (Route 1) to the Old Saybrook town line, matched by $100,000 from the town
Senator Needleman Announces Infrastructure Grants Approved For East Hampton, Portland
Senator Needleman Announces Infrastructure Grants Approved For East Hampton, Portland
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) announced East Hampton and Portland were approved to receive grant funding through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, which supports small towns for economic development, community conservation and quality-of-life capital projects. Approximately $900,000 in state funds will aid streetscape and sidewalk improvements in East Hampton’s Village Center – home to a variety of small businesses including restaurants, stores and entertainment spots – and replacement of Portland’s Main Street sidewalks.
“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont in making these approvals, which will aid pedestrian infrastructure and local small businesses, making our communities more walkable,” said Sen. Needleman. “It’s especially encouraging that these projects receiving support will receive joint funding from both the state and municipal leaders, allowing for them to work together.”
Funding approvals include:
- $500,000 in state funding for streetscape and sidewalk improvements in East Hampton’s Village Center, matched by $125,000 from the town
- $400,000 in state funding for the replacement of the sidewalks on Main Street, matched by $100,000 from the town