Senator Needleman Announces Infrastructure Grants Approved For Chester, Essex, Deep River
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) announced that Chester, Essex and Deep River 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. Over $1.4 million in state funding will support improvements to streets, parks and town resources in the three towns.
“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont in making these approvals, which will strongly benefit the infrastructure of our communities,” said Sen. Needleman. “These funds support street reconstructions, park developments and an enhanced Civic Campus in Essex. I look forward to these projects benefitting our residents.”
Funding approvals include:
- $500,000 in state funding for phase four of Chester’s North Main Street reconstruction project, matched by $143,200 from the town
- $500,000 in state funding for improvements to the Essex Civic Campus, matched by $130,000 from the town
- $433,500 in state funding for improvements to Plattwood Park, matched by $100,000 from the town
Madison Officials Welcome State Funding For Local Project
Madison Officials Welcome State Funding For Local Project
MADISON – State legislators and the Madison first selectwoman today welcomed the release of $500,000 in state Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) funds for local infrastructure improvements.
Governor Ned Lamont announced today that Madison will receive $500,000 in state funding for road improvements and enhancements as part of Phase Three of the Madison Center Project streetscape; this will be matched by $1,076,417 from the town. The Madison streetscape project includes utility, streetscape, roadway and pedestrian improvements from Route 1 to Route 79.
“Making Madison more safe and walkable will have a positive impact on the business district by increasing pedestrian access and economic activity,” state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) said. “The town’s long-term investment in this project is a testament to the commitment not only to its people and businesses, but also to culture and tourism. Connectivity and walkability are key components to a dynamic and healthy downtown and I want to thank Madison’s officials for their continued pursuit of this effort, as well as Governor Lamont for approving this investment in our community and our local businesses.”
“I’m thrilled that, with the support of the Governor, Madison will be able to complete this expansive project that will ensure our downtown fulfills its true potential for our town—and region—with increased vibrancy and critical economic development for the shoreline,” said state Representative John-Michael Parker (D-Madison). “Thank you to our town leaders, employees, and state partners for the continued support, and for ensuring that the Madison Center Project will be a success!”
“I am excited to learn that Madison has been awarded a STEAP Grant to assist us in the next and final phase of the Madison Center Project,” said Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons. “This important, high-profile community improvement initiative has been at the forefront of our downtown development plans for almost 20 years. Furthering the streetscape improvements along our main street will continue to expand economic opportunities within our central business district, improve pedestrian safety and access to public transit, and enhance the charm and aesthetics of our downtown area. Over the years, the town — in partnership with the state — has invested almost $3 million to complete several phases of this multi-phase project, and we look forward to using this new grant award toward its completion. I want to thank Senator Cohen and Representative Parker for their support and their persistent efforts in advocating for this project. And thank you to Governor Lamont for your continued commitment to help fund Madison’s future through this and other strategic infrastructure projects like the Academy Community Center and the bulkhead replacement at Garvan Point.”
“Our small towns are part of what makes Connecticut such a great place to live and work, and by partnering with them on these grants, the state can help get these infrastructure projects completed so these towns can continue to thrive, remain competitive, attract businesses, and improve the quality of life for our residents,” Governor Lamont said.
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.
Senator Slap Announces Infrastructure Grants Approved For Burlington, Farmington
Senator Slap Announces Infrastructure Grants Approved For Burlington, Farmington
Today, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) announced that Burlington and Farmington 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. A combined $930,000 will be released to the two towns for sidewalk extensions in Burlington and the installation of new resources at Farmington’s Westwoods recreation complex.
“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont in making these approvals, which will directly benefit pedestrians in Burlington and residents all over Farmington,” said Sen. Slap. “What’s even better is these grants will be matched with town funding, making this a partnership between local and state officials for the good of all residents and maximizing use of taxpayer dollars.”
Funding through the STEAP grants will support:
- $430,000 in state funding to support the extension of sidewalks on Spielman Highway in Burlington, to be matched by $107,000 from the town
- $500,000 in state funding to support the installation of a splash pad and pickleball court at Farmington’s Westwoods recreation complex, to be matched by $485,000 from the town
Senator Anwar Announces Infrastructure Grant Approved For South Windsor
Senator Anwar Announces Infrastructure Grant Approved For South Windsor
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) announced that Ellington was 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 $500,000 in state funding will support infrastructure improvements around Hall Memorial Library
“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont in making this approval, which will allow for expanded access at Hall Memorial Library,” said Sen. Anwar. “Residents will be able to utilize the newly expanded parking lot and enhanced sidewalks in the area, ensuring more people will be able to properly utilize the town’s resources.”
Approximately $500,000 in state funding will support a parking lot expansion project and sidewalk improvements at Hall Memorial Library, matched by $117,000 in town funds.
Senator Lesser, Governor Lamont Hail $500K Rocky Hill Grant
Senator Lesser, Governor Lamont Hail $500K Rocky Hill Grant
On Monday, Governor Lamont approved more than $30 million in state grants to small towns across Connecticut, including $500,000 for Rocky Hill.
“I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to secure a $500,000 grant for Rocky Hill. The funding will go to expand sidewalks and general walkability in the area of Century Hills Drive,” Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) said in a statement. “I want to offer a huge thank you to Governor Lamont for supporting Rocky Hill and investing in our smaller towns. This funding will provide side walks to residents of the Concierge, Glenbrook and Century Apartments, connecting that area to Cromwell Avenue.”
Governor Lamont said, “This sidewalk project in the Century Hills neighborhood of Rocky Hill is another step that we can take to further enhance the quality of life
in the area, and I am glad that the state can partner with the town to get this project done.”
The Small Town Economic Assistance Project (STEAP) is a grant program administered by the Office of Policy and Management under Governor Lamont.
Senator Anwar Joins Governor Lamont, State Leaders For Announcement Of Public School Air Quality Upgrades, Based On Legislation He Wrote
Senator Anwar Joins Governor Lamont, State Leaders For Announcement Of Public School Air Quality Upgrades, Based On Legislation He Wrote
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined Governor Ned Lamont, Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Gilman, State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, South Windsor Mayor Elizabeth Pendleton, South Windsor Public Schools Superintendent Kate Carter, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, Connecticut Education Association President Kate Dias and many additional state and local leaders at South Windsor’s Philip R. Smith Elementary School for the announcement of $150 million released toward a new state grant program aiding schools across the state for upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in Connecticut public schools.
The funding supports vital upgrades to improve air quality in public schools, an issue Sen. Anwar was a leader on; he helped draft language on the issue approved in the state’s budget in 2022, acutely aware of the importance of ensuring children grow up healthier and are not impacted negatively in the classroom.
“Teachers, we hear you. Students, we hear you. Parents, we hear you,” said Sen. Anwar. “Studies show that up to 10% of student and teacher populations may have asthma or allergies. Indoor air quality can make these worse. People spend up to 90% of their time indoors, and sometimes, the indoor environment can be dangerous if the air movement, allergens and temperature are not appropriate. Sometimes, the schools we rely on as sources of education, wellbeing and happiness can become sources of illness, especially older ones. This program will start to address this challenge. We want to make sure all of our students and teachers are protected in this environment. We have resources from the federal and state governments to aid us, to know that teachers and students will be able to reach their full potential through these needed, necessary improvements.”
“One thing the COVID-19 pandemic showed is that many school buildings in our state, particularly those that are of a certain age, are in serious need of air quality improvements,” Governor Lamont said. “Modernized ventilation systems provide an important public health function that filtrate the air and reduce airborne contaminants, including particles containing viruses. Most importantly, these air filtration systems will help ensure that our students can continue receiving their education in-person, in the classroom, where they learn best. Over the last two years, school districts in Connecticut have invested more than $165 million in COVID-relief funding to make these kinds of air quality improvements, and by creating a state program dedicated to these upgrades, we can continue providing schools with additional funding to implement these much-needed infrastructure enhancements.”
“The Department of Administrative Services team is proud to launch this critical program to improve indoor air quality in schools and support Connecticut’s students, educational staff, and families,” said Commissioner Gilman. “We are grateful for the collaboration from the start of the session to today with our legislative partners, agency colleagues, union leadership, and other advocates. This partnership is a testament to the effectiveness of this administration, our COVID-19 response, and continued success to build a stronger future. I look forward to working with our schools on this important initiative in the coming months.”
The $150 million is a first investment in the program, with additional rounds of funding likely in future years if the General Assembly approves. Eligible projects for the funding include replacing, upgrading or repairing boilers and other heating and ventilation components; replacing controls and technology systems related to HVAC; installing or upgrading air conditioning or ventilation systems; and other similar work approved by the Department of Administrative Services. Grant distribution will be prioritized by age and condition of current HVAC systems or equipment, school air quality, school age and condition, school district master plans, availability of maintenance records, contracts or plans for routine maintenance and cleaning, and local education boards or educational service centers financing the remainder of costs.
Applications for the grant program are now open through December 1, with funding allocations expected to begin in early 2023. For more information on the program, including application information, visit www.ct.gov/hvacgrants
Senator Needleman Joins State, Federal Leaders For Birdon Manufacturing Facility Opening
Senator Needleman Joins State, Federal Leaders For Birdon Manufacturing Facility Opening
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Congressman John Larson for the opening of Birdon’s new manufacturing facility in Portland. The officials took a tour of the facility, including seeing Birdon’s 47′ motor lifeboat U.S. Coast Guard rescue vessels in the process of refurbishment.
“Connecticut’s manufacturing industry plays such a vital role in our state’s economy, employing countless people and protecting the strengths of our military,” said Sen. Needleman. “Birdon is doing great work to support the Coast Guard and our local communities. I’m proud to stand alongside my fellow officials to celebrate the opening of their new facility. It’s a testament to the local business community and our state’s workforce that Birdon has found such success.”
The officials’ visit and tour of the new facility underscores efforts to support Connecticut’s manufacturing industry in recent years, most prominently new efforts to invest in the state’s manufacturing workforce. Sen. Needleman was among legislators who voted to create programs aiding the manufacturing workforce pipeline, connecting workers with training and education opportunities allowing them to join the industry.
The company’s work with the military plays an important role in protecting American bodies of water and will save lives through its assistance to the Coast Guard, allowing military members to better carry out missions with effective and efficient vehicles at their disposal. Refurbishing the boats also aids reduction of costs for the military, helping save taxpayer dollars while retaining security standards.
Birdon is a group of companies based in Australia specializing in the maritime, military, infrastructure and resource sectors, focused on project management and delivery. The company currently employs 200 at its Portland location and additional facilities in Colorado and Washington.
Earlier this year, Birdon paid $5.3 million for 31 acres of marina properties along Portland’s stretch of the Connecticut River, and may potentially invest a further $10 million into the site in the next three years. The marina would be upgraded to accommodate dry docking, refurbishment and relaunching of the 47′ Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat rescue vessels. Under a 10-year, $220 million contract with the Coast Guard, Birdon will engineer, procure and refurbish up to 117 rescue vessels, with half or more of those vessels worked on in Portland. These marina investments would also restore the facility as a commercial location for recreational boating. With Middletown making similar improvements to local marinas, conditions and access along the Connecticut River will be bolstered for the public.
Senator Slap Joins Lt. Governor, West Hartford Officials To Highlight Park Road Project
Senator Slap Joins Lt. Governor, West Hartford Officials To Highlight Park Road Project
Today, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor and members of the Park Road Association to highlight recent state bond investments into projects in the region, most prominently a $1.5 million investment to support the rehabilitation of Park Road with pedestrian and bicycle improvements. This work is part of nearly $9 million allocated to West Hartford projects by the State Bond Commission during the summer.
“Park Road is a vital piece of West Hartford’s economy, serving businesses and neighborhoods. Adding pedestrian-friendly features to make it more accessible will benefit commuters, residents, business-owners and visitors alike,” said Sen. Slap. “Investments like this will help reduce reliance on property taxes to pay for capital improvements. Local property tax payers will benefit as a result. It will further benefit the local economy and add recreational resources beneficial to health. I’m grateful to Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and Mayor Cantor for coming out to support this important development.”
The $1.5 million in funds for the Park Road rehabilitation project will support repaving the roadway, potential installation of bicycle lanes, replacing sidewalks, adding traffic-calming sidewalk features and new business directories, as well as a new community event board. This will help define the region, also providing a gateway from Hartford’s growing Parkville area to support economic opportunities for small businesses.
This funding is part of $8.9 million in state bond funding approved in late July by the State Bond Commission to support, in addition to this project, preservation of affordable apartments, construction of operational lanes on I-84, improvements at the Noah Webster House Museum and an extension of the Trout Brook Trail.
Sen. Osten: Connecticut Residents Now Enjoying Lower Electric Rates
Sen. Osten: Connecticut Residents Now Enjoying Lower Electric Rates
HARTFORD – As of September 1, more than 1.5 million Connecticut households will see their electric bills decrease.
A few weeks ago, the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) lowered allowable electric rates for Eversource and United Illuminating that are expected to save the average residential Eversource electric customer (who uses 700Kw of energy per month) $9.78 per month, and save the average United Illuminating customer $7.72 per month. Savings would be higher for people who use more energy.
The lower rates are effective September 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023.
“Several years ago I joined the General Assembly in passing legislation which greatly benefitted the Millstone nuclear power plant in Waterford, and now that legislation is paying off by stabilizing and reducing energy costs,” Sen. Osten said. “The electricity rate reduction by PURA is welcome news for more than a million Connecticut electricity consumers. ”
Eversource serves 1.2 million Connecticut electric customers in 149 towns, and United Illuminating serves 341,000 Connecticut electric customers in 17 towns in Fairfield and New Haven Counties, including Bridgeport and New Haven.
The electricity price cuts are the result of energy company savings that are tied to state-approved purchase agreements from Dominion Energy’s Millstone nuclear power station in Waterford. In 2017, Sen. Osten and the state legislature approved a new law that permitted Millstone to compete with other carbon-free sources of electricity, including hydro, wind and solar.
Then, in 2019, Governor Lamont announced that PURA had approved a new contract between Dominion, Eversource and United Illuminating requiring the utilities to purchase approximately 50 percent of Millstone’s output (9 million MWH/year) for 10 years.
That cost savings is driven by the millions of dollars the electric companies saved by buying power from Millstone and the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant at rates that are now below the market average in New England.
Senator Moore Attends Inaugural Meeting of Commission on Community Gun Violence Intervention And Prevention
Senator Moore Attends Inaugural Meeting of Commission on Community Gun Violence Intervention And Prevention
Today, state Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) participated in the first inaugural meeting held by Connecticut’s newly established Commission on Community Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention committee. The committee established during the most recent legislative session, is tasked with advising the Connecticut Department of Public Health on a new statewide community gun violence intervention and prevention program, which will provide state grants to community-based violence intervention organizations.
“The inaugural meeting of the Commission on Gun Violence comes a day after a 26-year-old man was killed by gun fire in New Haven,” said Sen. Moore. “Every community in Connecticut is experiencing gun violence and this Commission; comprised of representatives from all over the State, have an opportunity to address this issue that has an ever-lasting impact on our youth and families. Local activists and hospitals will assist Commissioner Juthani in directing the commission and providing a report by January 1 with how the commission will proceed. The goal is to ensure the voices of all are included.”
Legislation passed in May 2022 defined how this Commission would function and the appointees. The program is being administered by the Department of Public Health’s Office of Injury and Violence Prevention and was allocated $2.9 million in the fiscal year 2023 budget adjustment bill.
Senator Moore has been a strong advocate in putting an end to gun violence and is dedicated to improving the prevention of gun violence taking place in cities across Connecticut. Senator Moore worked to pass Senate Bill 1, which was comprehensive legislation that established the gun violence intervention and prevention group that will work to identify, secure funding, monitor and evaluate evidence-based, community-centric programs and strategies to reduce street-level gun violence in the state.
Senator Moore advised the Commission that although she is not a member, she will be active watching the progress it makes and will support future legislation if needed to strengthen their work.