Month: June 2024

SENATORS LOONEY & CABRERA WELCOME STATE BOND COMMISSION APPROVAL OF $8.69 MILLION FOR HAMDEN AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 7, 2024

SENATORS LOONEY & CABRERA WELCOME STATE BOND COMMISSION APPROVAL OF $8.69 MILLION FOR HAMDEN AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

HAMDEN – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today welcomed State Bond Commission approval of an $8.69 million investment in Hamden that will help build 64 units of affordable rental housing at 2980 State Street.

One-quarter of the units are designated for disabled, unhoused persons, or people with intellectual or developmental disabilities receiving support from the Mid-State ARC. The funds approved today will also be used for a Community Hub facility and pedestrian and streetscape improvements around 2980 State Street.

The funding was first approved on March 12 by the Community Investment Fund 2030 Board and then recommended to the governor to be approved by the State Bond Commission.

“Hamden has made great strides in offering affordable housing options, and it’s one of the Top 12 towns in Connecticut that has increased its stock of affordable housing between 2011 and 2022. This grant will only accelerate Hamden’s success,” said Sen. Looney, who is Co-Chair of the CIF Board.

“The lack of affordable housing in Connecticut is a real problem, and we need real solutions,” Sen Cabrera said. “Hamden is a part of that solution, and that’s what this grant will help us do – create more than five dozen additional units of affordable housing in town.”

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SENATORS LOONEY & CABRERA WELCOME STATE BOND COMMISSION APPROVAL OF $8.69 MILLION FOR HAMDEN AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 7, 2024

SENATORS LOONEY & CABRERA WELCOME STATE BOND COMMISSION APPROVAL OF $8.69 MILLION FOR HAMDEN AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

HAMDEN – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today welcomed State Bond Commission approval of an $8.69 million investment in Hamden that will help build 64 units of affordable rental housing at 2980 State Street.

One-quarter of the units are designated for disabled, unhoused persons, or people with intellectual or developmental disabilities receiving support from the Mid-State ARC. The funds approved today will also be used for a Community Hub facility and pedestrian and streetscape improvements around 2980 State Street.

The funding was first approved on March 12 by the Community Investment Fund 2030 Board and then recommended to the governor to be approved by the State Bond Commission.

“Hamden has made great strides in offering affordable housing options, and it’s one of the Top 12 towns in Connecticut that has increased its stock of affordable housing between 2011 and 2022. This grant will only accelerate Hamden’s success,” said Sen. Looney, who is Co-Chair of the CIF Board.

“The lack of affordable housing in Connecticut is a real problem, and we need real solutions,” Sen Cabrera said. “Hamden is a part of that solution, and that’s what this grant will help us do – create more than five dozen additional units of affordable housing in town.”

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DANBURY DELEGATION CELEBRATES FUNDING FOR SOUTH MAIN STREET REVITALIZATION

Posted on by Devin James

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 7, 2024

DANBURY DELEGATION CELEBRATES FUNDING FOR SOUTH MAIN STREET REVITALIZATION

DANBURY — State Senator Julie Kushner and state Representatives Bob Godfrey and Farley Santos today welcomed the State Bond Commission approval of $1,325,000 for the South Main Street Revitalization project in Danbury.

The funds will be used to improve sidewalks at the intersection of Park and Main Streets, make renovations to Elmwood Park, and conduct a neighborhood drainage study.

The project was first approved by the Community Investment Fund Board in March, but needed final approval today from the State Bond Commission before the funds can be released.

“This state money will help improve the heart of downtown Danbury, home to our community center and senior center and so many thriving businesses,” said Sen. Kushner. “I want to thank Senate President Looney and Speaker Ritter, who are the co-chairs of the Community Investment Fund Board, for recommending this project for approval back in March. The ongoing state investments in the people and places of Danbury are truly amazing and are genuinely appreciated.”

“We worked with each other and with Mayor Roberto Alves to upgrade the area near the old courthouse. It supports the plans to construct badly needed housing along Park Place. It revitalizes an important part of downtown and begins to deal with the flooding between Main St. and Town Hill Avenue. I’m always happy to bring money home to Danbury,” said Rep. Godfrey.

“I am delighted to see that our collaborative efforts, together with Mayor Roberto Alves, to champion for Danbury, are consistently yielding positive outcomes for our community,” said Rep. Farley Santos. “I am pleased to receive this funding, which will facilitate crucial enhancements for this area of our city.”

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Stamford Delegation Welcomes $3.2 Million in Funding from the State Bond Commission

Posted on by Devin James

Stamford Delegation Welcomes $3.2 Million in Funding from the State Bond Commission

Stamford’s legislative delegation applauded the State Bond Commission’s Friday approval of more than $3.2 million to support the city’s efforts to improve pedestrian safety and equip its police force with body and dashboard cameras.

The delegation — which includes Senators Patricia Billie Miller and Ceci Maher,  as well as Representatives Matt Blumenthal, Hubert Delany, Anabel Figueroa, Rachel Khanna, David Michel, and Corey Paris — celebrated the funding following the State Bond Commission’s Friday morning meeting.

The panel approved support for projects across Connecticut including $3 million for the City of Stamford to make pedestrian safety improvements and create food truck parking near Government Center. This project is expected to create more green space, support local businesses, and ensure that the area is walkable and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The commission approved an additional $236,880 to reimburse the Stamford Police Department for the costs of purchasing body cameras and dashboard cameras.

“This funding will provide all our residents with equal access to Government Center by making the area walkable and ADA compliant, while also supporting local food truck businesses with a dedicated parking location,” Senator Miller said. “The commission’s approval of funds to reimburse the Stamford Police Department for body and dashboard cameras underscores our commitment to accountability and transparency in law enforcement. I appreciate Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for prioritizing these vital projects to make Stamford safer and more accessible for everyone.”

“Government Center is a focal point in the city, and food trucks are a recognized positive addition to the vibrant food offerings in Stamford. Increasing accessibility to the building and improved food truck parking is a significant use of funds that will help people in the city,” Senator Maher said. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for supporting Stamford.”

“I would like to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for allocating these funds to Stamford. We plan to use the money to improve the way pedestrians move around by the Government Center. It will lead to a more livable, accessible, environmentally friendly, and vibrant neighborhood,” Representative Blumenthal said. “Additionally, the funding for updated police technology will contribute to a safer community while increasing accountability.”

“I would like to wholeheartedly thank Governor Lamont, the State Bond Commission, and all of my colleagues for fighting to bring these resources back to Stamford,” Representative Delany said. “This funding is the answer to the concerns of many of our constituents. We hope to use this funding to enhance pedestrian safety for our residents who travel near the Stamford Government Center, and we plan to use this funding to increase transparency and accountability for the Stamford Police Department.”

“This funding shows our dedication to the brave members of the Stamford Police Department who put their lives on the line every day to protect the community,” Representative Figueroa said. “This new technology will improve safety for everyone, transparency, and accountability. Body and dashboard camera equipment will also increase trust between our officers and the public.”

“I’m proud of the Delegation’s work on behalf of the city of Stamford,” Representative Khanna said. “Together, we’ve brought over $3 million in state bonding grants to the city, dollars that will be put to good use in further improving the livability and safety of the city.”

“I’m always grateful for the work our delegation does as a team,” Representative Michel said. “Again, many thanks to the governor and the State Bond Commission.”

“I want to extend my gratitude to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving these essential projects on the bond agenda for the City of Stamford,” Representative Paris said. “The allocation of $236,880 will significantly enhance our public safety infrastructure by reimbursing the Stamford Police Department for the acquisition of body-worn and dashboard recording equipment, along with associated storage costs. I’m proud that Stamford is one of the five municipalities to receive this crucial funding. Additionally, I am excited about the pedestrian improvements and the new food truck parking near the Stamford Government Center. This bond funding will not only enhance safety for pedestrians but also enrich the community experience for all who enjoy the diverse food truck offerings.”
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651
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EAST HARTFORD DELEGATION WELCOMES $20 MILLION IN BONDING FOR LOCAL BUIDLING PROJECTS

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 7, 2024

EAST HARTFORD DELEGATION WELCOMES $20 MILLION IN BONDING FOR LOCAL BUIDLING PROJECTS

Today, the East Hartford delegation of legislators including State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford, Manchester), State Representative Jeff Currey (D-East Hartford, Manchester) and State Representative Henry Genga (D-East Hartford) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of $20 million in total funding to support local building projects.

The funds will include $15 million for the creation of a new Manufacturing Technology and Innovation Center for East Hartford’s Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, $4.5 million for abatement and demolition of the former McCartin Elementary School in East Hartford and associated infrastructure improvements to allow for construction of new housing and $500,000 for capital improvements to the East Hartford Veteran’s Memorial Clubhouse.

“The continued development and repurposing of properties in East Hartford are underscoring the community’s continued push for improvement,” said Sen. Anwar. “The new CCAT innovation center, new housing at the McCartin Elementary site and improvements at Veterans Memorial Clubhouse all represent significant new resources for our community’s continued success. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for supporting East Hartford.”

“From creating new opportunities in advanced technology manufacturing, increasing housing opportunities, and investing in our veterans, this round of funding will go a long way to further a number of priorities in East Hartford,” Rep. Rojas said.  “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for including these important items on the agenda.”

“I appreciate the State Bond Commission’s recognition of the opportunities, services, and resources these supportive investments will make in East Hartford,” said Rep. Currey. “Economic development and housing are paramount to continued community success.”

“I’d like to thank the bond commission for funding projects that will expedite East Hartford’s growth and development. The creation of a new manufacturing technology and innovation center will ensure we meet the demands of the future. The demolition of the former elementary school will lead to more housing options for our community, and the funding for veteran’s memorial clubhouse will turn the facility into a first-class establishment. I am also thrilled that the North Central CT EMS Council will receive funding to establish a top notch fast responding emergency communication system that will help save lives,” said Rep. Genga.

According to the Bond Commission agenda for the June 7 meeting, the state plans to commit $15 million for the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology’s new Manufacturing Technology and Innovation Center in East Hartford, which will house the CCAT’s headquarters and existing programs as well as provide additional capacity for expansion of applied research and development capabilities. The project will also utilize $32 million in federal funds and $10 million in private funds.

The Commission will also provide $4.5 million for the abatement and demolition of the former McCartin Elementary School, with the funding also supporting development of utilities, sidewalks and roadways in the area to allow for construction of new housing units after the site is demolished.

Another $500,000 will support capital improvements for the Veterans Memorial Clubhouse, supporting the $7.7 million project in total.
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SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES NEARLY $2.9 MILLION IN STATE BOND COMMISSION SUPPORT FOR WESTPORT, STAMFORD

Posted on by Devin James
June 7, 2024

SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES NEARLY $2.9 MILLION IN STATE BOND COMMISSION SUPPORT FOR WESTPORT, STAMFORD

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Westport) welcomed $2,883,697 in State Bond Commission funding, approved by the Commission at its latest meeting, supporting projects in the Westport and Stamford community. These funds include support for Sherwood Island State Park as well as to aid purchase of body cameras and data storage for Westport and Stamford police.

“Sherwood Island State Park is a local treasure, and this new, extensive financial support for the park’s upkeep and maintenance is a great investment in our community,” said Sen. Maher. “Additionally, aiding our local police in acquiring important equipment provides additional safety for our police force and residents. I’m thankful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of our communities.”

According to the Bond Commission agenda for its June 7 meeting, the state plans to commit a total of $2.5 million for improvements, repairs and construction at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, which will receive paving and drainage improvements, as well as a new maintenance facility and related improvements.

An additional $236,880 and $146,817, respectively, will reimburse the Stamford and Westport police departments for their purchase of body-worn and dashboard recording equipment and related data storage costs.
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

Senator Needleman Highlights HVAC Grant Funding For Bacon Academy

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 7, 2024

Senator Needleman Highlights HVAC Grant Funding For Bacon Academy

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) highlighted the recent announcement that Colchester will receive $781,375.32 in state grant funding to support improvements and upgrades at Bacon Academy. The funding, representing 60.72% of the project’s $1.287 million cost as announced, will support rebuilding and expanding of rooftop condensing units at the Academy as well as updated controls.

“It’s excellent news that our state continues to provide this important local funding to support local schools,” said Sen. Needleman. “These improvements and upgrades will play a strong role in supporting our students and staff alike, benefitting public health and providing a better environment for the school community as a whole. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for supporting Colchester.”

“I appreciate the efforts of Governor Ned Lamont and our legislators to prioritize student health and safety with the Indoor Air Quality Grant Program,” said Colchester First Selectman Bernard Dennler. “These much-needed improvements will help Colchester deliver safer instructional environments and avoid unnecessary closures which have disrupted recent school years. I am glad that the Board of Education and Board of Selectmen were able to collaborate to make this grant application successful.”

The funds in question are being provided through the Indoor Air Quality Grant Program, established by legislators in 2022 to provide matching grants supporting municipalities needing HVAC work. School districts and schools with greatest needs for indoor air quality improvements are prioritized to receive this funding. Funds can be used to replace, upgrade or repair boilers and other heating/ventilation components, replacing controls and technology systems and installing/upgrading air conditioning/ventilation systems.

Studies have shown that up to 10% of students and teachers may suffer from asthma or allergies, and poor indoor air quality, temperature control and allergen control can worsen these conditions. This is part of an effort to modernize ventilation systems to filter air, reduce airborne contaminants and improve the health, safety and quality of schools statewide.
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SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $887,500 IN STATE BOND COMMISSION FUNDING SUPPORTING PORTLAND PROJECTS

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 7, 2024

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $887,500 IN STATE BOND COMMISSION FUNDING SUPPORTING PORTLAND PROJECTS

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed $887,500 in State Bond Commission funding, approved by the Commission at its latest meeting, supporting projects in the Portland community. These funds include support for an important project protecting homeowners in the area of Jobs Pond, as well as improvements at the Portland Sawmill complex.

“I’ve visited Jobs Pond this year knowing the residents nearby are struggling with flooding issues, so it’s excellent and relieving to know the state is committing resources to help solve the problem,” said Sen. Needleman. “The additional funding supporting upkeep of local park and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection resources are just as valuable, as they will aid local nature and recreation. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for supporting our community.”

According to the Bond Commission agenda for its June 7 meeting, the state plans to commit $187,500 of funds unused from past flood control projects to finance installation of pumps in the Jobs Pond area of Portland, using those pumps to divert groundwater to the Connecticut River, in an effort to reduce flooding occurring in the region.

“By releasing these state funds, we can unlock federal matching dollars that will initiate action to pump waters from Jobs Pond into the Connecticut River, which we are hopeful will mitigate the impact of this flooding,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “I’ve directed our state emergency management and environment teams to remain in continuous contact with Portland officials on this situation.”

An additional $700,000 will be committed to finance improvements and repairs to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection sawmill in Portland. This sawmill often offers slab wood for sale to local residents.
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SENATOR MARX WELCOMES MORE THAN $19 MILLION IN STATE BOND FUNDING SUPPORTING THE 20TH SENATE DISTRICT

Posted on by Devin James
June 7, 2024

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES MORE THAN $19 MILLION IN STATE BOND FUNDING SUPPORTING THE 20TH SENATE DISTRICT

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of more than $19 million in total funding supporting projects throughout the 20th Senate District. These projects range across East Lyme, Old Lyme, Waterford and Montville, supporting infrastructure improvements at the US Navy Submarine Base, local parks, local schools and local property acquisitions, providing significant aid to the local community.

“It’s wonderful to see this level of support coming to our towns, with the benefits it will provide to our state parks, animal shelters, military and schools,” said Sen. Marx. “I am overjoyed and can’t wait to see these projects come to fruition, with all of the benefits and new resources they’ll provide to our communities. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support.”

Among the projects receiving funding from the State Bond Commission’s approval:

  • Waterford’s Harkness Memorial State Park will receive a total of $4 million to support new construction and improvements to multiple maintenance and office facilities and the Carriage House and Mansion on the premises
  • Old Lyme and East Lyme’s Rocky Neck State Park will receive a total of $3.025 million for boardwalk improvements and utilities upgrades and replacements
  • The Montville Animal Shelter will receive $2 million for much-needed facility repairs and upgrades
  • A $2 million allocation will help finance the acquisition of property adjacent to Stones Ranch Military Reservation in East Lyme
  • The United States Navy Submarine Base – New London will receive $7.761 million for infrastructure improvements, specifically the Port Services Floating Piers Replacement and Boat Ramp reconstruction projects to improve utility services, improve working environments and enable the base to keep more vessels
  • Another $586,994 will support reconstruction and improvements to New London’s warehouse and State Pier, including site improvements and ferry slip improvements
  • The Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London will receive $245,037 for capital improvements, while The Friendship School in Waterford will receive $108,100 for similar improvements
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

East Windsor, Ellington Leaders Welcome $8 Million In State Grants For East Windsor Radio Tower, Public Safety Improvements

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 7, 2024

East Windsor, Ellington Leaders Welcome $8 Million In State Grants For East Windsor Radio Tower, Public Safety Improvements

Today, as the State Bond Commission approved funding allocations including $8 million for the North Central CT Police and Public Safety Infrastructure project, which will provide better communication resources for East Windsor, Ellington and Windsor first responders, local leaders welcomed and celebrated the release of funding.

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), State Representative Jaime Foster (D-East Windsor, Ellington, Vernon) and State Representative Carol Hall (R-East Windsor, Enfield), as well as East Windsor First Selectman Jason Bowsza, Ellington Superintendent Dr. Scott Nichol, East Windsor Police Chief Matthew Carl, Ellington town Administrator Matthew Reed and Donald Bridge Jr., President of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #311 representing the Ellington Police Union, welcomed its benefits to the community. This allocation will benefit local first responders and will support a radio tower as well as improvements to local police department radio communications.

“Our local first responders make sacrifices every day and the work they do is vital in supporting our communities,” said Sen. Anwar. “This funding will bolster their communication abilities, which will help them respond to emergencies faster and provide them with better information that can improve their already high-quality work. I’m grateful to the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their support.”

“This was a Herculean effort and I’m proud of the team for its collaborative effort to submit the state bond proposal, and special thanks to Chief Carl for his leadership and collaboration,” said Rep. Foster. “East Windsor and Ellington are about to get major public safety upgrades, including an overhaul of East Windsor’s entire public safety communication infrastructure, linking into the state system, and bolstering the network all our state police use in the region.  The bond funding also includes improvements to Ellington High School’s police radio system by adding a repeater to allow the police radios to work within and beyond the walls of EHS. I’m proud to have played a significant role in making this funding come to fruition.”

“I am thrilled to see East Windsor’s grant-in-aid request for radio communications has been approved by the State Bonding Committee,” said Rep. Hall. “I would like to thank the governor’s office for recognizing how important good communication is for our public safety responders in our region. These funds will ensure the future needs for radio hardware, along with the communication tower, will bring our public safety into the 21st century. I would also like to thank our Chief Matthew Carl and East Windsor officials for bringing this very important project to our attention.”

“The funding secured by Representative Foster and approved by the Bond Commission is a tremendous step forward for public safety in East Windsor, Windsor, and Ellington,” said First Selectman Bowsza. “Not only will it significantly enhance emergency communications technology for each of those three towns, but it will also provide an enhanced infrastructure for public safety in all of north central Connecticut.  This milestone funding intended to protect our first responders would not have been possible without the advocacy and collaboration of Representative Foster.”

“This addresses a moderate communication issue for the state police which supports our school resource (police) and armed security officers at Ellington High School,” said Dr. Nicol.

“The approval of state bond commission funding for the replacement and improvement of public safety communications in East Windsor, Windsor, and Ellington is a tremendous step forward,” said Chief Carl. “This investment ensures that our first responders have the reliable, modern tools they need to protect and serve our communities more effectively and efficiently.”

“The Town of Ellington prioritizes the safety and welfare of our schools’ students, faculty, and staff,” said Administrator Reed. “Funding that aids in enhancing the security posture of our schools is always welcomed. The equipment funded by this grant is expected to improve the ability of our first responders to communicate effectively while inside the school building where the penetration of radio signals is generally poor.”

“As the President of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #311 representing the Ellington Police Union, I fully support the State Bonding Commission Funding for Ellington and East Windsor,” said Bridge. “The improvements included in the project will help law enforcement officers communicate throughout the high school, improve overall communications in the area, and provide interoperability with our neighbors in East Windsor. Ultimately, a better-coordinated response by law enforcement results in a safer community for everyone.”

The project will see the expansion of a radio site and channels for Windsor, East Windsor and Ellington towns and public safety agencies, bolstering connectivity and interoperability between agencies in each town. The work also include improving a police radio dead zone at Ellington High Schools and will overall improve interoperability in the majority of North Central Connecticut.
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