Looney, Duff Statement on Assault of Rep. Khan
HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff released the following statement in response to the assault of State Representative Maryam Khan.
“We are saddened to learn of the assault on our House colleague, State Representative Maryam Khan of Windsor, as she was leaving religious services Wednesday night in Hartford. We send our prayers to Rep. Khan for a speedy recovery and to her and her family and friends and all Muslims that they may continue to observe and celebrate their faith in peace.”
Looney, Duff Statement on Assault of Rep. Khan
Looney, Duff Statement on Assault of Rep. Khan
HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff released the following statement in response to the assault of State Representative Maryam Khan.
“We are saddened to learn of the assault on our House colleague, State Representative Maryam Khan of Windsor, as she was leaving religious services Wednesday night in Hartford. We send our prayers to Rep. Khan for a speedy recovery and to her and her family and friends and all Muslims that they may continue to observe and celebrate their faith in peace.”
SENATOR MARX THANKS STATE BOND COMMISSION AS ROCKY NECK STATE PARK RECEIVES $2.725 MILLION FOR FACILITY UPGRADES
SENATOR MARX THANKS STATE BOND COMMISSION AS ROCKY NECK STATE PARK RECEIVES $2.725 MILLION FOR FACILITY UPGRADES
Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) thanked the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their investment in the 20th Senate District as the Commission approved a $2.725 million grant that will support upgrades at Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme.
“I am so proud that our local park, offering beautiful recreation opportunities to residents state-wide, will receive additional funding for important upgrades,” said Sen. Marx. “This will make sure Rocky Neck State Park remains a local landmark for decades to come. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their consideration.”
“With a soft sandy beach, trails, and salt marsh viewing platforms, Rocky Neck State Park is a beautiful shoreline natural resource that has been protected for visitors to enjoy in perpetuity,” said Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission and sets its agenda. “We are releasing this state funding so that we can maintain its operations and keep its valuable amenities accessible to everyone for many more years.”
The State Bond Commission today approved a number of funding releases, including an allotment of $2.725 million for Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme. The funds are intended to support utility upgrades and replacements at the state park, which has significant infrastructure that is decades old and requires upgrades and repairs. This project will support a feasibility and design study, construction, and upgrades of systems at the state park such as sewer, electric and telecommunications. This work will allow for better availability of public amenities in the park.
NEW LONDON DELEGATION GRATEFUL AS STATE BOND COMMISSION APPROVES FUNDING FOR EASTERN CONNECTICUT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RELOCATION
NEW LONDON DELEGATION GRATEFUL AS STATE BOND COMMISSION APPROVES FUNDING FOR EASTERN CONNECTICUT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RELOCATION
Today, the New London delegation of lawmakers including State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), State Representative Anthony Nolan (D-New London) and State Representative Christine Conley (D-New London) thanked the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their investment in the 20th Senate District as the Commission approved a $120,000 grant that will support the relocation of the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce from Waterford to downtown New London.
“The Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce is investing in New London and working to support our communities’ economic success. I’m so glad the state is supporting this effort,” said Sen. Marx. “The resources the Chamber will bring to downtown New London will be beneficial to not only the town but the entire region. I’m so grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support.
“I am thrilled the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce will be moving to New London,” Rep. Nolan said. “This relocation will bring more attention and business to our thriving community, and I can’t wait to see the results from this partnership.”
“Moving the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce to New London helps residents in the short and long term,” Rep. Conley said. “The Chamber sees the great opportunities New London has for even more economic success, and this is the latest sign of our community’s immense potential.”
“For many years, the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce has assisted small businesses in New London in their efforts to grow and create new jobs,” said Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission and sets its agenda. “By partnering with this organization on this project, the state is helping ensure that New London businesses continue to have the support of this chamber for many more years to come.”
The State Bond Commission today approved a number of funding releases, including an $125,000 grant supporting the Chamber of Commerce’s move from Waterford to downtown New London. The Chamber plans to offer a startup incubator and coworking space called the Thames River Innovation Center, which will serve to support training and other services to support the region.
EAST HARTORD DELEGATION WELCOMES $14.23 MILLION IN STATE BOND FUNDING FOR REDEVELOPMENT AND PLAYSCAPES
EAST HARTORD DELEGATION WELCOMES $14.23 MILLION IN STATE BOND FUNDING FOR REDEVELOPMENT AND PLAYSCAPES
Today, the East Hartford delegation of lawmakers welcomed $14.23 million in state bond funding approved and released by the State Bond Commission supporting redevelopment efforts in two significant business areas of town, as well as for replacements of playscapes at local schools to provide new resources to schoolchildren.
“These funds will support important initiatives in East Hartford including important economic redevelopment and housing development, while also ensuring local children will have improved resources to learn and play,” said State Senator Saud Anwar (D-East Hartford). “I’m very encouraged by Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission’s investment in our town.”
“From support for housing initiatives to improving playgrounds for our kids and continuing to support economic development efforts, this funding is the result of a delegation that works together to secure state resources to support our priorities,” said Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D- East Hartford, Manchester). “I want to thank Governor Lamont and the state Bond Commission for prioritizing this important funding and look forward to seeing the outcome of the investment.
“These allocated funds promote new beginnings and invest in the future of East Hartford,” said State Representative Genga. “The Founders Plaza site has the potential to provide an economic boost to our city. Clearing the area is an important first step towards a revitalized East Hartford. Additionally, meaningful outdoor activity is just as crucial to the development of a child as a good education. The funding for playscape replacements will provide our children with a space to explore creatively and have fun. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their inclusion of East Hartford.”
“This funding invests in three important pillars of our community – economic redevelopment, housing and resources for children – so I appreciate the administration and the State Bond Commission’s approval and recognition,” said State Rep. Jeff Currey (D-East Hartford, Manchester). “This will help make East Hartford a better place to work, live, play and learn for all of its residents.”
“I’m glad that we can get this state funding out to East Hartford to support these projects that will aid in economic and job growth in the town and build more housing,” said Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission and sets its agenda.
Among the many projects with funding approved by the State Bond Commission today were several in East Hartford, including:
$6.5 million for the abatement and demolition of buildings on and adjacent to the Founders Plaza site on East River Drive in East Hartford, aiding economic redevelopment in the area; $6.98 million in previously allocated funds will now be committed to support the construction of new residential units on the former Showcase Cinema site, helping create new housing in the area; funds were previously allocated for redevelopment of the Rentschler Field and Silver Lane corridor in 2018; $750,000 for a grant-in-aid to the City of East Hartford for playscape replacements at East Hartford elementary schools.
Looney Statement on Passing of Governor Lowell Weicker
Looney Statement on Passing of Governor Lowell Weicker
HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney released the following statement on the passing of Governor Lowell Weicker.
“Lowell Weicker was a champion for what needed to be done even when it was unpopular. During his four years as governor, I served my last term in House and first term in the Senate. I’ll never forget when I met with him then to advocate for state funding to renovate the New Haven Coliseum and talking through all the complications and issues that needed to be addressed at the venue. Governor Weicker at the end just looked at me and said ‘You should blow that place up.’ That meeting was indicative of his blunt, straightforward, and humorous style that he brought as governor and for years after as an elder statesman in Connecticut. I am saddened that he has passed and my prayers are with his family and friends.”
Looney, Paolillo Welcome $650,000 in State Bonding for Neighborhood Parks
Looney, Paolillo Welcome $650,000 in State Bonding for Neighborhood Parks
HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M Looney (D-New Haven) and State Representative Al Paolillo, Jr. (D-New Haven) welcomed $650,000 in state bonding for improvement at four local parks and the Annex Little League. The specific projects and amounts are:
Quinnipiac River Park – $250,000 – implement and restore city plan; Fort Wooster Park – $100,000 – upgrade and restore park and facilities ; Fairmont Park – $100,000 – improvement to recreation areas; Lighthouse Park – $100,000 – renovation of bathhouses, erosion prevention, beach upgrades; Annex Little League – $100,000 – upgrades to little league park facilities.
“I am thrilled to announce the arrival of new state bonding dedicated to enhancing our local parks and the Annex Little League facilities,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney. “This investment represents our ongoing commitment to creating vibrant, accessible spaces for the community to enjoy. With these additional resources, the City can now embark on important projects that will breathe new life into our parks, ensuring they continue as cherished gathering places for families and neighbors. Furthermore, the upgrades of the Annex Little League facilities will enhance the safe and nurturing environment for our young athletes to develop their skills and forge lifelong memories. I extend my sincere gratitude to Governor Lamont for his partnership and support in addressing these projects for New Haven.”
“This state funding will support parks and recreational facilities across New Haven, ensuring that these well-visited locations remain in a state of good repair for people to enjoy for years to come,” said Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission and sets its agenda. “I am glad we could partner with the city to get these projects done.”
“Thank you to Governor Lamont and the hard work of the New Haven Delegation for recognizing the important role that these parks play in improving the quality of life in the New Haven community for the families and visitors who will benefit,” said Representative Paolillo. “The $650,000 will go a long way towards making the necessary upgrades and improvements to these recreational areas, such as the Annex Little League and Lighthouse Park among other projects, which provide such positive, enriching programs and events for our youth and families.”
The Bond Agenda was approved on Friday, June 30.
WEST HARTFORD LEADERS WELCOME STATE BOND FUNDING FOR ROCKLEDGE GOLF COURSE TO MAKE CRITICAL IMPROVEMENTS
WEST HARTFORD LEADERS WELCOME STATE BOND FUNDING FOR ROCKLEDGE GOLF COURSE TO MAKE CRITICAL IMPROVEMENTS
Today, West Hartford leaders welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of $150,000 to make critical infrastructure upgrades at Rockledge Municipal Golf Course in West Hartford, the town’s golf course that has received renown statewide and beyond.
“Rockledge is one of West Hartford’s many great resources, and I’m glad our community is receiving the funds necessary to retain and improve its high quality,” said Senator Derek Slap. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their local investments.”
“I am thrilled that the town of West Hartford will receive funds from the state bond commission. The Rockledge Municipal Golf Course is used by local residents as well as individuals from around the state, and the upgraded water pump will be greatly beneficial,” said State Representative Bobby Gibson (D-West Hartford, Bloomfield).
“Rockledge is one of the preeminent public courses in the United States in addition to being vital open space for our community during the offseason,” said State Rep. Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford, Newington). “Upgrading the pump house, which is the heart of the irrigation system, will help maintain Rockledge as one of the town’s outdoor jewels.”
“Rockledge’s value to our community extends beyond the course, thanks to the open space for walking it provides during the offseason,” said State Rep. Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford, Avon). “Ensuring its irrigation system is properly maintained by upgrading the pump house will keep Rockledge positioned as a year-round hub of outdoor activity.”
“I’m so happy that we can support Rockledge Golf Course,” said Representative Jillian Gilchrest. “This funding will make much needed improvements to our town’s premier public golf course.”
West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said, “Rockledge Golf Club is recognized as one of the finest 18-hole public golf courses in the United States. It has been voted Hartford Magazine’s “Best Public Golf Course” for 12 consecutive years and one of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play. We are grateful to the State of Connecticut for recognizing our need to keep Rockledge in pristine condition by offering this grant that will allow us to make much needed improvements to the irrigation system”
The State Bond Commission today approved its June 30 bonding agenda, including items including the $150,000 for Rockledge. The funds will be used to upgrade the golf course’s pump house, improving both the structure and the strength of the pumps.
According to a summary of work needed at Rockledge, the existing pumps and pump house were installed 40 years ago in 1983 and the system is past its useful life, unable to meet the golf course’s irrigation needs. Without sufficient water distribution, the entire golf course could face significant turf loss; with these improvements, in addition to improved quality of the course, Rockledge should also see water and energy savings through improved efficiency.
Legislators Welcome State Bonding for New Haven
Legislators Welcome State Bonding for New Haven
HARTFORD – Today, New Haven’s state senators and state representatives welcomed over $29 million in state bonding to benefit New Haven. The funding will support the early education of 100 children, a new bus rapid transit system, a community housing land bank to eliminate blight, grants to homeowners with structural damage, providing more property to the New Haven Port Authority, and improvements at four parks and the Annex Little League. The specific projects include:
$2 million to provide a grant-in-aid to LULAC Head Start Inc. of New Haven to purchase a new building and relocate to James Street to accommodate serving approximately 100 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers; $20 million to finance the construction of a bus rapid transit system in New Haven as part of the Move New Haven On-Street Bus Rapid Transit System Project. Funding will be used to match a Federal Transit Authority RAISE grant. The project consists of eighteen enhanced on-street stops and four mini-hubs with shelters; $5 million to establish a community housing land bank and land trust in New Haven to assist with eliminating blight.; $1 million to finance grants-in-aid to homeowners with homes located in the immediate vicinity of the West River in the Westville section of New Haven and Woodbridge for structurally damaged homes due to subsidence and to homeowners with homes abutting the Yale Golf Course in the Westville section of New Haven for damage to such homes from water infiltration or structural damage due to subsidence.; $751,000 to change the use of the previously allocated funds to a grant-in-aid to the New Haven Port Authority for the purchase of Department of Transportation surplus properties for maritime related uses; $250,000 to implement and restore a city plan for Quinnipiac River Park; $100,000 to upgrade and restore parkgrounds and facilities at Fort Wooster Park; $100,000 for improvement to recreation areas at Fairmont Park; $100,000 for renovation of bathhouses, erosion prevention, beach upgrades at Lighthouse Park; $100,000 for upgrades to little league park facilities for the Annex Little League
“I am proud to put more than $29 million to work in New Haven,” said Governor Lamont. “From bolstering early education and enhancing park facilities to developing rapid transit, expanding housing options, and creating jobs in harbor area, these dollars will help the city chart a path to equitable economic growth. Each of these projects is a building block of transformation, and I am glad we’ve been able to get them approved.”
“This investment in early education will pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future, ensuring that more children have access to high-quality preparation for school and a strong foundation for success,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney. “Additionally, the establishment of a new bus rapid transit system will enhance connectivity and accessibility. Furthermore, the support for the New Haven Port Authority will continue the momentum of this local economic engine. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the unwavering commitment of New Haven’s state legislators and Governor Lamont to the progress, prosperity, and well-being of all our city residents.”
“This state funding for New Haven will benefit city residents in the short term and well into the future,” said Senator Gary Winfield. “I want to thank Governor Lamont and all my New Haven colleagues at the Capitol for their dedicated efforts in securing these funds.”
“This funding will foster much needed renovations and upgrades to our city,” said Rep. Pat Dillon. “I am proud of the New Haven delegation for our hard work in securing this funding.”
“This bonding supports investments that will significantly improve the quality of life in New Haven,” said Rep. Walker. “I thank my colleagues and our local partners for collaborating to provide resources to many community initiatives.”
“State funding for New Haven’s early education and other projects are critically important for the city to succeed, and I want to thank Governor Lamont, the State Bond Commission, the members of our legislative delegation, and others who worked to secure this funding, “said Rep. Porter.
“I’m thrilled to see all of the amazing projects that will be funded in New Haven,” Rep. Candelaria said. “These projects will help everyone, from toddlers to homeowners to those who use public transportation. Thank you to the New Haven delegation and Governor Lamont for their hard work securing these funds.”
“The approval of $751,000 in bond funding directly to the New Haven Port Authority helps complete a several-year land conveyance process to purchase four very important parcels of land currently owned by the DOT,” said Rep. Paolillo. “This allows for economic development and expanded maritime use in this strategic harbor area, an economic driver for jobs and commerce in our city and state. Thank you to Governor Lamont, DOT Commissioner Eucalitto, Senator Looney, Transportation Co-Chair Roland Lemar, New Haven Port Authority members, and staff who all worked cooperatively to make this happen.”
“New Haven will undoubtedly be better off with these projects funded, including the incredible investment in the Move New Haven On-Street Bus Rapid Transit System Project and our local parks,” Rep. Lemar said. “Not only will the residents of New Haven feel the immediate benefits of these projects, but they are also laying the groundwork for years of economic and social success in our community.”
“On behalf of the New Haven Port Authority we could not be more grateful and would like to thank Governor Lamont, DOT Commissioner Eucalitto, Senator Looney, Representative Paolillo and Representative Lemar. The conveyance of this land is very important because land is at a premium at the Port of New Haven will be very important for maritime commerce and the economic activity it brings,” said Sally Kruse, Executive Director of the New Haven Port Authority.
The Bond Agenda was approved on Friday, June 30.
SEN. COHEN, REP. CANDELORA AND LOCAL LEADERS WELCOME $3.5 MILLION FOR LAKE QUONNIPAUG DAM
SEN. COHEN, REP. CANDELORA AND LOCAL LEADERS WELCOME $3.5 MILLION FOR LAKE QUONNIPAUG DAM
GUILFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Christine Cohen, House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora and First Selectman Matt Hoey welcome $3.5 Million from the State Bond Commission for a project to fortify the Lake Quonnipaug Dam. The dam and surrounding area, including residential homes and sections of Route 77 have been subject to flooding. This project is part of the town’s Climate Adaptation and Resilient Infrastructure Program.
“The flooding at the Lake Quonnipaug Dam has been of great concern to our town and I am so pleased to see this project moving forward to prevent future flooding and road closures,” said Sen. Cohen. “I am so proud of our town’s forward-thinking approach to climate resiliency and I’m incredibly grateful to Guilford resident, Comptroller Sean Scanlon for starting this important work, as then representative, and his help in securing the funding. I appreciate Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for recognizing this as vital infrastructure and continuing to support our town’s needs.”
“This is an important, and timely, allocation for Guilford, which faces significant challenges related to Quonnipaug Dam,” said House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora. “This smart investment by the Bond Commission will help local officials prevent a total failure of the dam while also protecting nearby properties and roads, and I applaud the effort of everyone who has focused on this issue and advocated for this critical allocation of state funds.”
“We are thrilled to receive State bond funding for this critical project which will ensure the integrity of the Lake Quonnipaug Dam, protect downstream properties from flooding and continued use of the State boat launch on the northern part of the lake. The project also includes a realignment of a difficult intersection on Route 77. Guilford taxpayers appreciate the State’s support of this project.” said First Selectman Matt Hoey.