Sen. Cabrera Applauds $1 Million in Bond Funding for Crucial Hamden Projects
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) applauded the state Bond Commission for approving $1 million in funding for several important projects across Hamden in their most recent bond agenda.
Included in the agenda is $750,000 to go to the town to further the development of repairing and upgrading the existing stormwater infrastructure to alleviate chronic flooding in Newhall neighborhood. Additionally, $291,855 is slated to go to Hamden Middle School for various improvements and upgrades.
“This is important funding for some crucial projects and I’m grateful to the Bond Commission for approving them,” said Sen. Cabrera. “Preventing flooding in the Newhall neighborhood and modernizing the drainage infrastructure will provide people with peace of mind and safety for years to come. Additionally, funding for Hamden Middle School furthers the investments we continue to make in our young people’s education.”
Governor Ned Lamont shared the senator’s sentiments that this funding is imperative to modernizing the draining systems in the Newhall neighborhood.
“The Newhall area of Hamden has had years of flooding issues due to outdated drainage systems, and this state funding will help repair that infrastructure and strengthen it to withstand future severe weather,” Gov. Lamont said.
Sen. Hartley, Waterbury Delegation Welcome State Investment in City’s Economic Development and Infrastructure
Sen. Hartley, Waterbury Delegation Welcome State Investment in City’s Economic Development and Infrastructure
$10 Million Approved for Waterbury’s Freight Street Corridor Redevelopment Project. A Boost for Spurring Mixed-Use Transit-Oriented Redevelopment
Today, state Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury, Naugatuck, and Middlebury) and the Waterbury delegation applauded Governor Lamont’s and the State Bond Commission’s approval of over $14 million toward several initiatives benefitting economic growth, infrastructure, and schools in the city.
Among the actions taken was the final approval of $10 million for city’s Freight Street Corridor Redevelopment Project. The funding will be used for demolition and remediation activities at three separate parcels – about 20 acres combined across 130 Freight Street, 000 West Main Street, and 170 Freight Street – in the city’s West End. The project carrying a long-term goal of encouraging mixed-use transit-oriented redevelopment – along with the accompanying jobs – and extending Waterbury’s downtown. This development on a currently blighted and underutilized area would complement improvements made to the Waterbury Branch Line’s downtown station and the city’s downtown.
“My continued thanks to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their partnership in the greater Waterbury region’s economic and community development,” said Sen. Hartley. “The approval of these funds for revitalizing the Freight Street District opens the path for hundreds of mixed-use and commercial jobs in an abandoned industrial area that is ready for a prosperous return. Also, we are continuing to make progress in other areas of community development. I welcome this state investment for improving local infrastructure and schools, which will benefit the ability of our children to learn and thrive.”
“I appreciate Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their partnership and recognition of greater Waterbury’s economic and community development,” said Rep. Ron Napoli, incoming House Chair of the Bonding Subcommittee. “The approved bond funds will revitalize the Freight Street District and positively push the progress in other areas of economic development and commerce. I also welcome vital state investment for our local infrastructure and schools.”
“This funding supports long-term economic development in Waterbury, including hundreds of jobs and jump starts the revitalization of the Freight Street Corridor. Waterbury’s West End will be open to redevelopment after years of blight and neglect, which will extend downtown and complement the recent state, local, and federal investment in the heart of the city. We additionally welcome state investment for our infrastructure and schools. Our deepest thanks to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for its approval and recognition of this vital funding,” said state Representatives Larry Butler, Michael DiGiovancarlo and Geraldo Reyes.
“I am glad that we can partner with Waterbury to get this state funding released so that we turn these blighted properties into something that will provide many years of productive use for generations to come and turn this area into a thriving neighborhood,” Governor Lamont said.
The $10 million for redevelopment of the Freight Street Corridor was signed off by the board of the Community Investment Fund 2030 in late September and recommended to Governor Lamont to be funded via state bonding. The Community Investment Fund 2030 is a five-year grant program, enacted in the 2021 legislative session, dedicated to fostering economic development in communities that have been historically underserved.
Additional items to support the Waterbury community that were approved by Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission are:
- $2.8 million in previously allocated funds to support a road realignment and intersection improvement project in the area of South Main Street, Washington Avenue, and Washington Street
- $1,243,975 in grants-in-aid to fund school improvements at Crosby High School, Kennedy High School, North End Middle School, Wallace Middle School, and Wilby High School. The funds are aimed to promote the health, safety, and learning of students, while addressing building and site deficiencies. The schools awarded funds are part of the state’s Commissioner’s Network, which is focused on improving student achievement
Sen. McCrory Welcomes Approval Hartford and Bloomfield Projects for State Investment
Sen. McCrory Welcomes Approval Hartford and Bloomfield Projects for State Investment
Over $16 Million Approved for Community Investment Fund 2030 Projects Benefiting Economic Development, Affordable Housing, and Neighborhood Renewal
Today, state Senator Doug McCrory (D- Hartford, Bloomfield and Windsor) celebrated the approval by Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission of state funding for numerous organizations and projects in Hartford and Bloomfield. The multiple projects will benefit community renewal and growth including entrepreneurship, affordable housing, library renovations, child care, and education.
During the State Bond Commission meeting, the board gave final approval to several Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) projects totaling over $16 million in state investment. Sen. McCrory was a strong advocate for the creation of the five-year grant program in 2021 which is dedicated to fostering economic development in communities that have been historically underserved. Today, Sen. McCrory sits on the board of the CIF. The board of the CIF signed off on the Hartford and Bloomfield projects in September 2022 and recommended to Governor Lamont that it be funded by state bonding.
“It’s a tremendous day for the communities of Hartford and Bloomfield. These numerous projects carry long-term benefits that will make a noticeable difference in people’s lives from affordable housing and education to small business growth,” said Sen. McCrory. “My thanks to Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for their shared recognition of the opportunities that we can launch with this state investment. In particular, I’m excited by the advancement of several Community Investment Fund projects. We are giving local leaders and residents in Hartford and Bloomfield the resources to make long-awaited changes in their communities.”
“This funding is targeted to making improvements in urban areas that have been historically underserved and are focused on enhancements that will generate jobs and economic activity for people who live in the communities,” Governor Lamont said. “I am glad that the state can partner with Hartford and Bloomfield on these projects.”
The following CIF projects were given final approval by the State Bond Commission:
- $1,247,038 for Asylum Hill Neighborhood Association to redevelop the Comet Diner, also known as the Aetna Diner, located on Farmington Avenue in Hartford. The historic property will be renovated into space for a full-service restaurant, banquet facility, and meeting room. The project will boost economic and neighborhood development
- $1,137,514 for International Hartford to create a year-round public food truck court for ethnic food vendors. The renovation of the 681 Wethersfield Avenue property will provide space for up to 50 businesses to launch or expand their businesses. In the process, it will increase support for entrepreneurs who are immigrants or people of color
- $4.5 million for the North Hartford Collaborative. The funding will be split up with $750,000 for the Blue Hills Civic Association to acquire and build out the Neighborhood and Community Development Center; $400,000 for Rebuilding Together Hartford to conduct home improvements to owner-occupied homes; $1 million for the Upper Albany Neighborhood Revitalization Zone to acquire and redevelop a vacant former Salvation Army site; and $2.35 million for the Hartford Renaissance District to implement the Barbour Street corridor home renovation program
- $3.75 million for Sheldon Oak Central, Inc. to redevelop the MLK Apartments – located Van Block Avenue in Sheldon/Charter Oak in Hartford – to create several dozen new affordable housing units along with about 30 units at market rate
- $5,526,000 for construction and renovation of the Prosser Library and McMahon Wintonbury Library in Bloomfield. The new, almost 30,000 sq. ft. Prosser Library will enhance the surrounding community area which includes several small businesses close by and Filley Park. The expanded McMahon Wintonbury Library will hold increased community services including job training and early childhood learning
More information on the CIF projects in Hartford and Bloomfield can be found on Sen. McCrory’s website.
Additional items approved at the State Bond Commission’s meeting include:
- $2.5 million for advanced manufacturing equipment improvements and replacements, and facility improvements at Capitol Community College in Hartford along with Middlesex Community College in Middletown and Tunxis Community College in Farmington
- $412, 483 for school improvements at Bulkeley High School and Weaver High School in Hartford. The funds are aimed to promote the health, safety, and learning of students, while addressing building and site deficiencies. The schools awarded funds are part of the state’s Commissioner’s Network, which is focused on improving student achievement
- $650,000 for to the YMCA of Greater Hartford for renovations of childcare facilities. Also, it will support study of a possible regional facility at the East Hartford YMCA
- $2 million to study transit improvements of the I-84 area in Hartford
- $1.6 million for repairs at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford and Rentschler Field in East Hartford. Fixes to be made include roof repairs and pedestrian walkway repairs
Sen. Kushner Welcomes State Bonding For New Fairfield Police Department Cameras And Storage
Sen. Kushner Welcomes State Bonding For New Fairfield Police Department Cameras And Storage
NEW FAIRFIELD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today welcomed State Bond Commission approval of $42,541 for the New Fairfield Police Department to purchase body-worn cameras, police cruiser dash-mounted cameras, or storage devices to retain those images.
The New Fairfield Police Department funding is part of $1.26 million in total that the State Bond Commission approved today for 28 police departments across Connecticut for body and dash cams and storage devices. Four million dollars in total state bond funding was authorized for this public safety equipment as part of the 2020 Police Accountability Act, which Sen. Kushner voted for.
“Police camera footage is making a difference in public safety every day. It was just used a few weeks ago as evidence of after-hours drinking at a Danbury bar. It’s routinely used to show the bravery of police officers rescuing people or defending themselves. And it’s sometimes used to hold police officers accountable for their actions,” Sen. Kushner said. “I know that, on balance, police officers appreciate having these devices available to them, and I’m very pleased that Democrats made the commitment to provide Connecticut police departments and local taxpayers with millions of dollars in state funding for these essential devices.”
Sen. Lesser Welcomes Final Approval of $12 Million for Riverfront Project; Support for Middletown and Rocky Hill Projects
Sen. Lesser Welcomes Final Approval of $12 Million for Riverfront Project; Support for Middletown and Rocky Hill Projects
Additional State Funding Approved to Support the Department of Veterans Affairs Campus in Rocky Hill and Middlesex Community College
Today, state Senator Matt Lesser, who represents Middletown and Rocky Hill, welcomed Governor Lamont’s and the State Bond Commission’s approval of state funding for several projects in Middletown and Rocky Hill. The projects will benefit services for veterans, building and infrastructure improvements, education, and community development.
Among the several items was the final approval of $12 million to support the “Return to the Riverbend” Project in Middletown. The board of the state’s Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) signed off on project in September 2022 and recommended to Governor Lamont that the project receive approval of the $12 million state investment. The project would reconnect the community to the riverfront by redeveloping 220 acres of land located in downtown Middletown along the Connecticut River.
“The Return to the Riverbend Project will have a profound impact for the residents of Middletown and better connect neighborhoods to the riverfront. My thanks to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of this significant investment in Middletown’s future. It’s a major boost for the city’s economic growth and access to outdoor recreation,” said Sen. Lesser. “I’m thankful as well for the funding approval to support upgrades at several community centers in Middletown and Rocky Hill including the Department of Veterans Affairs main campus. This funding will yield long-term benefits.”
“This Riverfront project is big news for folks who live Middletown, including all of the small businesses in the area that will benefit from the improvements that will be made here,” Governor Lamont said. “This neighborhood in Middletown is gorgeous and a redevelopment of this kind is long overdue. I am glad that we could get this state funding to the city so that we could make this happen.”
The CIF funding for “Return to the Riverbend” would 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. Also, funds will support engineering and design for public spaces, 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.
Additional projects approved for funding include:
- $1.06 million – Boiler system improvements and rental, along with emergency and minor capital projects as needed, at the Department of Veterans Affair’s main campus in Rocky Hill
- $2 million – Replacement of tower structure at Rocky Hill Veterans Home
- $2.5 million – Finance advanced manufacturing equipment improvements and replacements, and facility improvements at Middlesex Community College in Middletown,
- Capital Community College in Hartford, and Tunxis Community College in Farmington
- $300,000 – Support designing of a roof replacement for Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown
Senator Moore Welcomes Over $5 Million for Projects in Bridgeport
Senator Moore Welcomes Over $5 Million for Projects in Bridgeport
Today, state Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) is welcoming funding approved by the State Bond Commission for four projects in Bridgeport. Funds will be allocated to help construct a Housing Development, help with improvements at 7 schools in Bridgeport, design a streetscape program, and to provide renovations to the Center for Family Justice.
“Updating our schools not only improves the exterior and interior of school buildings, but improves student morale,” said Sen. Moore. “Students deserve an updated environment to learn and when we put effort into their studies, they are more likely to take advantage of the opportunity they have in front of them. I am also grateful for the funding being allocated to improve the Center for Family Justice. We are giving hope to women, families, and children when we invest in helping those who need it most. I am proud of our community in Bridgeport and this is well deserved for the future of our residents.”
“Today we were able to get a significant amount of state funding released for Bridgeport that will be used for several projects in the city, most notably for upgrades to several schools, the redevelopment of a former housing complex to create more housing in the city, streetscape improvements that will benefit the potential of small businesses on East Main Street, and financial support for the Center for Family Justice, which provides critical support services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “I am glad that we could get this funding for the city approved and see it put into action.”
Under the Bonding Agenda, over $1.8 million is set to provide grants-in-aid for improvements to various Commissioner’s Network Schools. Projects include alterations, repairs, improvements, technology and equipment to help address building and site deficiencies, and to promote the health, safety, and learning of the students. The schools set to include funding include, Barnum School, Bassick High School, Bridgeport Military Academy, Wilbur Cross Elementary, Dunbar Elementary, Harding High School, and & Marin Elementary School.
Also under the Bonding Agenda, over $1.7 million is being set aside for Phase I of the housing development at Baldwin Holdings. This housing development will take place at a former public housing complex site and is set to add 50 mixed-income units.
$750,000 will be allocated to the East Main Street Revitalization Association for a planning grant for a streetscape program that will elevate the protentional of small businesses along East Main Street.
And, $1.2 million will be allocated to provide a grant-in-aid to The Center for Family Justice, Inc. for renovations and improvements to its facility in Bridgeport.
Senator Anwar, Representative Foster Announce Bond Funding Supporting East Windsor Facility
Senator Anwar, Representative Foster Announce Bond Funding Supporting East Windsor Facility
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and State Representative Jaime Foster (D-East Windsor) announced the State Bond Commission voted at its December 8 meeting to release $131,000 in bond funding to support East Windsor’s Solnit North facility.
In 2015, the Commission approved funding for renovations at the facility, which serves as a psychiatric residential treatment facility for adolescent teenage boys. Those renovations came in under budget, and the $131,000 will be combined with $180,000 of remaining funds to support repairs to the facility’s pool, basketball court and other needed emergency and capital repairs.
“I’m grateful to the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their support of East Windsor, and I’m grateful that these projects will support valuable resources for young men in need,” said Sen. Anwar. “This work is necessary and important and I am encouraged that it is being made a priority.”
“Through my conversations with East Windsor Police Department, town stakeholders, and residents, I’ve received consistent feedback that we can do more to support the Solnit North facility as a neighbor in our community,” said Rep. Foster. “I’m hopeful that with the funding approved today by the Bond Commission we can provide Solnit with the resources necessary to do just that, while ensuring the boys at the facility have access to quality treatment. Thank you to the Governor and the State Bond Commission for prioritizing this funding.”
“Solnit North provides an invaluable service to our state, and this funding will enable upgrades to be made at the facility to enable it to continue its mission for many years to come,” said Governor Ned Lamont.
SENATOR ANWAR, REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER ANNOUNCE BOND FUNDING SUPPORTING EAST WINDSOR FACILITY
SENATOR ANWAR, REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER ANNOUNCE BOND FUNDING SUPPORTING EAST WINDSOR FACILITY
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and State Representative Jaime Foster (D-East Windsor) announced the State Bond Commission voted at its December 8 meeting to release $131,000 in bond funding to support East Windsor’s Solnit North facility.
In 2015, the Commission approved funding for renovations at the facility, which serves as a psychiatric residential treatment facility for adolescent teenage boys. Those renovations came in under budget, and the $131,000 will be combined with $180,000 of remaining funds to support repairs to the facility’s pool, basketball court and other needed emergency and capital repairs.
“I’m grateful to the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their support of East Windsor, and I’m grateful that these projects will support valuable resources for young men in need,” said Sen. Anwar. “This work is necessary and important and I am encouraged that it is being made a priority.”
“Through my conversations with East Windsor Police Department, town stakeholders, and residents, I’ve received consistent feedback that we can do more to support the Solnit North facility as a neighbor in our community,” said Rep. Foster. “I’m hopeful that with the funding approved today by the Bond Commission we can provide Solnit with the resources necessary to do just that, while ensuring the boys at the facility have access to quality treatment. Thank you to the Governor and the State Bond Commission for prioritizing this funding.”
“Solnit North provides an invaluable service to our state, and this funding will enable upgrades to be made at the facility to enable it to continue its mission for many years to come,” said Governor Ned Lamont.
Sen. Lesser on Appointment of New Leaders for the Department of Social Services and the Office of Health Strategy
Sen. Lesser on Appointment of New Leaders for the Department of Social Services and the Office of Health Strategy
Today, State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), Senate Chair of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee, released the following statement after Governor Lamont announced that he will appoint Andrea Barton Reeves as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) and Dr. Deidre Gifford as executive director of the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy (OHS) when he starts his second term in office in the new year.
“I have been continually impressed by Commissioner Gifford at DSS. Under her leadership, Connecticut has taken big steps to address the cost of health insurance by creating the Covered Connecticut program and also expanded coverage to underserved communities including undocumented mothers and children. Her appointment to head OHS is a strong statement that Governor Lamont is looking to make his mark on health policy in his next term.”
Sen. Lesser also said, “Andrea Barton Reeves has done an outstanding job launching Connecticut’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Authority and I am excited to work with her in her new role at DSS. I want to extend my congratulations to her on a major appointment.”
Sen. Lesser Releases Statement on Forum About Rising Cost of Health Care
Sen. Lesser Releases Statement on Forum
About Rising Cost of Health Care
Extension of exemption on gas tax, free bus fare; increased funding for pandemic worker bonuses, heating oil assistance
Today, State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), Co-Chair of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee, released the following statement after today’s informational session on factors contributing to the rising cost of health care and health insurance premiums. The forum was jointly held by the Connecticut Insurance Department, the Office of The Healthcare Advocate, and the Office of Health Strategy.
“It’s no secret that health care is unaffordable and that the health care industry is not meeting the needs of Connecticut’s families and small businesses. Customers are expected to pay more and more for the same essential health services. It’s leaving parents and seniors to further stretch household budgets and to wait on seeking care, which raises the risk of worse health complications down the road. At the same time, small businesses are struggling with shrinking options from the insurance industry on affordable health care options to extend to their employees,” said Sen. Lesser. “Without reining in costs, we are blocking families across Connecticut from achieving a better quality of life and the ability of businesses to grow,”
“Substantive health care reform is long overdue, and today’s informational session is the start point going into the 2023 legislative session,” continued Sen. Lesser. “I will be working closely with community advocates and stakeholders to tackle issues that are weighing heavily on patients and deliver greater accountability on the insurance industry: addressing high health care costs, bringing down the prices of prescription drugs, the consolidation of hospitals in Connecticut, and the failure of the industry to make affordable options available for small businesses. All of this is necessary to make health care more affordable, accessible, and transparent.”