Month: June 2025

Senator Gaston Welcomes $200,000 State Grant for Brownfield Remediation in Bridgeport

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Welcomes $200,000 State Grant for Brownfield Remediation in Bridgeport

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) welcomed a $200,000 in state grants that will be used to support brownfield remediation projects in Bridgeport.

The grant, which will be administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development include a $200,000 planning grant to the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) for planning activities on the western bank of the Yellow Mill Channel along Waterview Avenue. These planning activities will enable MetroCOG and the city to advance a comprehensive plan for development of a Waterfront Pathway.

“I’m grateful to see this critical investment coming to Bridgeport,” said Sen. Gaston. “Revitalizing brownfield sites like the Yellow Mill Channel not only protects public health and our environment, but also unlocks new opportunities for economic development and community access along our waterfront. This funding will help lay the groundwork for a more vibrant and connected future for our city.”

The funding is part of $18.8 million in state grants announced by Governor Ned Lamont to support brownfield cleanup and redevelopment in 19 towns and cities across Connecticut.

Duff Responds to BoE Statement

Posted on by Devin James

Duff Responds to BoE Statement

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff issued the following statement in response to the Norwalk Board of Education announcement released tonight.

“Looks like we can finally move forward.

“I am satisfied by this statement that the BOE will honor the original agreement from their Tuesday evening caucus when they unanimously accepted the terms/conditions Mayor Rilling and I set forth Tuesday morning in our meeting with the Superintendent.

“To be clear, we never said the BOE could not vote on the Superintendent’s contract if that’s what is legally required. However, it’s not legally required since the Superintendent per her contract, can waive that provision. If she refuses to do so and a vote occurs, I’ve been assured an extension will fail.

“It’s important that all of us move forward now as a community in the best interests of the students, staff and parents.

“In the final analysis, transparency, community voices and common sense won the day.

“Thank you to all who stood by us during this challenging time.”

Senator McCrory Applauds $4 Million Economic Development Grant for Hartford

Posted on by Devin James

Senator McCrory Applauds $4 Million Economic Development Grant for Hartford

Senator Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, welcomed news Thursday that the state will award a $4 million grant to the city of Hartford to help with the demolition of a large building on Windsor Street to make room for new development.

The grant, which will be administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, will support the demolition and abatement of the concrete structure that sits on a nearly 3-acre property at 150 Windsor St.

“This is the kind of investment that helps move Hartford forward,” Senator McCrory said. “This funding will help the city clear the way for new development, create new jobs, and make smart use of a property in our downtown area. I’m glad to see the state supporting projects that turn underused spaces into drivers of growth and opportunity for our communities.”

The funding is part of $18.8 million in state grants announced by Governor Ned Lamont to support brownfield cleanup and redevelopment in 19 towns and cities across Connecticut.

“Old, polluted, blighted properties that have sat vacant for decades do nothing to stimulate our economy, grow jobs, and support housing growth,” Governor Lamont said. “With these grants, we are partnering with towns and developers to take unused, lifeless properties and bring them back from the dead, rejuvenating land that can be used for so much more and can bring value back to these neighborhoods.”

Senator Marx Welcomes Key Grant Supporting East Lyme Remediation

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Marx Welcomes Key Grant Supporting East Lyme Remediation

 

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the Governor’s announcement that East Lyme will receive a $200,000 grant to conduct assessment activities at a blighted site with the intent of supporting remediation.

“Redeveloping brownfields is a key way to get properties in prime locations in our communities used again, supporting local business and bringing tax revenue back to towns,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m very encouraged to hear East Lyme is receiving this support and will watch closely as a key Main Street property can find new uses.”

East Lyme will receive the grant for assessing 278 Main Street, with the intent of seeing how contaminated the location is and how much remediating the property would cost.

The East Lyme grant is part of the $18.8 million in state grants that Governor Ned Lamont announced today that will be used for the assessment and remediation of 227 acres of contaminated land across Connecticut. The funding will support 23 properties in 19 towns and cities, helping cover the costs of cleaning up these parcels so they can be redeveloped and returned to productive use. The grants are being released through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Brownfield Remediation and Development Program..

“Old, polluted, blighted properties that have sat vacant for decades do nothing to stimulate our economy, grow jobs, and support housing growth,” Governor Lamont said. “With these grants, we are partnering with towns and developers to take unused, lifeless properties and bring them back from the dead, rejuvenating land that can be used for so much more and can bring value back to these neighborhoods.”

Senator Maher Welcomes Key Grant Supporting Redding Wire Mill Remediation

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Maher Welcomes Key Grant Supporting Redding Wire Mill Remediation

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed the Governor’s announcement that Redding will receive a $200,000 grant to conduct assessment activities at the former Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mill with the intent of supporting remediation.

“This property has sat dormant for so long, and with our community’s significant interest in repurposing it, this grant helps us get one step closer to its successful redevelopment,” said Sen. Maher. “I look forward to seeing how the results of this grant will further benefit Redding.”

Redding will receive the grant to assess 19 North Main Street, the former wastewater treatment facility of the Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mill. The assessment will help identify contamination on the property, which will inform efforts to support local redevelopment.

The Redding grant is part of the $18.8 million in state grants that Governor Ned Lamont announced today that will be used for the assessment and remediation of 227 acres of contaminated land across Connecticut. The funding will support 23 properties in 19 towns and cities, helping cover the costs of cleaning up these parcels so they can be redeveloped and returned to productive use. The grants are being released through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Brownfield Remediation and Development Program..

“Old, polluted, blighted properties that have sat vacant for decades do nothing to stimulate our economy, grow jobs, and support housing growth,” Governor Lamont said. “With these grants, we are partnering with towns and developers to take unused, lifeless properties and bring them back from the dead, rejuvenating land that can be used for so much more and can bring value back to these neighborhoods.”

SENATOR CABRERA WELCOMES $600,000 IN STATE GRANTS TO ASSESS THREE VALLEY PROPERTIES

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR CABRERA WELCOMES $600,000 IN STATE GRANTS TO ASSESS THREE VALLEY PROPERTIES

 

State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today welcomed $600,000 in state grants to help assess three vacant sites in the Naugatuck Valley to help them return to public usefulness.

“Connecticut continues to spend money and invest in its communities when it comes to brownfield remediation. We are getting old, unused properties cleaned up and back into productivity, and I’m proud to have advocated for these grants in the 17th State Senate District,” said Sen. Cabrera.

-Ansonia received a $200,000 grant for the assessment of the 4.21-acre site located at 35 and 65 Main Street, the former Farrel Ansonia Facility that has been vacant since 2018. These assessment activities will enable the city to determine the best use for the site.

-Derby received a $200,000 grant to further evaluate site conditions and planning activities for the O’Sullivan’s Island (OSI) property at Caroline Street, a 17.25-acre peninsula of land located south of the downtown commercial district at the confluence of the Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers. The former regional fire training center is now part of the Naugatuck River Greenway and accessible to the public as a park. The assessment and planning activities will enable the city to further investigate the site to address previously identified contamination and open up the property for additional recreational activities.

-Naugatuck received a $200,000 grant for assessment work on the 36.2-acre site that was formerly a Hershey & Peter Paul Cadbury manufacturing site. This assessment will enable the site to be returned to productive use after 18 years of vacancy.

The Valley grants are three of the $18.8 million in state grants that Governor Ned Lamont announced today that will be used for the assessment and remediation of 227 acres of contaminated land across Connecticut. The funding will support 23 properties in 19 towns and cities, helping cover the costs of cleaning up these parcels so they can be redeveloped and returned to productive use.

The grants are being released through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Brownfield Remediation and Development Program. This round of funding is projected to attract $218 million in private investment and facilitate the creation of 450 housing units.

“Old, polluted, blighted properties that have sat vacant for decades do nothing to stimulate our economy, grow jobs, and support housing growth,” Governor Lamont said. “With these grants, we are partnering with towns and developers to take unused, lifeless properties and bring them back from the dead, rejuvenating land that can be used for so much more and can bring value back to these neighborhoods.”

SENATOR KUSHNER WELCOMES $400,000 IN STATE GRANTS TO ASSESS TWO DANBURY PROPERTIES

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR KUSHNER WELCOMES $400,000 IN STATE GRANTS TO ASSESS TWO DANBURY PROPERTIES

 

DANBURY – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today welcomed $400,000 in state grants to help conduct environmental assessments of two properties in Danbury in hopes of getting them back into productive use.

Danbury has received a $200,000 state grant for the environmental assessment of the former Fairfield County Courthouse. The assessment will enable future reuse of the building as municipal office space in the historic district.

Danbury also received a second $200,000 grant for assessment activities at 13 Barnum Court, which was formerly used for hat manufacturing. The assessment work will help identify potential end uses and developers to cleanup and reuse the site.

“City officials have been debating for several months what to do with theses properties, and I believe the first step was to get some state brownfields funds to do an environmental assessment of each property so we can see what we’re dealing with,” said Sen. Kushner. “Once again I am so pleased to be partnering with Mayor Alves to  bring stare resources to Danbury to help improve the lives of our residents and the economic vitality of this city.”

The Danbury grants are two of the $18.8 million in state grants that Governor Ned Lamont announced today that will be used for the assessment and remediation of 227 acres of contaminated land across Connecticut. The funding will support 23 properties in 19 towns and cities, helping cover the costs of cleaning up these parcels so they can be redeveloped and returned to productive use

The grants are being released through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Brownfield Remediation and Development Program. This round of funding is projected to attract $218 million in private investment and facilitate the creation of 450 housing units.

“Old, polluted, blighted properties that have sat vacant for decades do nothing to stimulate our economy, grow jobs, and support housing growth,” Governor Lamont said. “With these grants, we are partnering with towns and developers to take unused, lifeless properties and bring them back from the dead, rejuvenating land that can be used for so much more and can bring value back to these neighborhoods.”

Senator Honig Welcomes $800,000 in Brownfield Remediation Grants for Torrington

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Honig Welcomes $800,000 in Brownfield Remediation Grants for Torrington

Senator Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, welcomed news Thursday that the state will award $800,000 in grants to support brownfield remediation projects in Torrington, helping the city prepare two former industrial properties for future redevelopment.

The grants, which will be administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, include:

-$600,000 to the city for abatement and demolition of two remaining buildings at a roughly 9.3-acre site located at 70 North Main Street. Future redevelopment plans for the property include commercial, industrial, or light manufacturing use, along with the potential installation of a fuel-cell to power the site.

-$200,000 to New Colony Development Corporation to complete assessment and planning activities at 100 Franklin Drive. The funding will support efforts to identify a developer and explore options for potential residential reuse of the former manufacturing site.

“It’s great to see state grants helping Torrington clean up long-vacant sites for future use,” Senator Honig said. “The North Main Street property once supported around a thousand manufacturing jobs when it served as the home of the Torrington Co. Standard Plant. This funding represents a key step toward returning that site to productive use and that means new opportunities for the city and its residents.”

The funding is part of $18.8 million in state grants announced by Governor Ned Lamont to support brownfield cleanup and redevelopment in 19 towns and cities across Connecticut.

“Old, polluted, blighted properties that have sat vacant for decades do nothing to stimulate our economy, grow jobs, and support housing growth,” Governor Lamont said. “With these grants, we are partnering with towns and developers to take unused, lifeless properties and bring them back from the dead, rejuvenating land that can be used for so much more and can bring value back to these neighborhoods.”

Rilling, Duff and Norwalk’s Legislative Delegation Release Statement in Response to BoE Agreement

Posted on by Devin James

Rilling, Duff and Norwalk’s Legislative Delegation Release Statement in Response to BoE Agreement

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff along with Representatives Lucy Dathan, Dominique Johnson, Kadeem Roberts, and Travis Simms issued the following statement Wednesday in response to the Norwalk Board of Education reaching an agreement on funding transparency and support for arts and music programming in Norwalk Public Schools.

“We appreciate the unanimous agreement from the Board of Education approving the extra funding and transparency measures we laid out yesterday. We look forward to the Board of Education voting on this initiative and all of us in the community working together to move past this turbulent period.”

Middletown Delegation Secures Funding for School Renovation, Increases Municipal Funding by Nearly $9 Million Over Two Years

Posted on by Devin James

Middletown Delegation Secures Funding for School Renovation, Increases Municipal Funding by Nearly $9 Million Over Two Years

In the final days of the 2025 legislative session, the Middletown legislative delegation, state Senators Matt Lesser and Jan Hochadel, and state Representatives Kai Belton and Brandon Chafee, gave final approval to a biennium budget that delivers significant investments in the city, including over $41 million in state aid for two school projects and substantial increases in municipal funding.

Middletown is in the process of rebuilding the Macdonough Elementary School, and the Middletown delegation was able to secure an 81% state reimbursement rate for the $48.9 million project, thereby bringing $39.61 million in state aid to the town. School children will be temporarily relocated to Keigwin School at a maximum cost of $2 million, and the Middletown delegation was able to secure another 81% state reimbursement of $1.6 million for that move.

The biennium budget includes $52.3 million in FY 26 for Middletown, which is an increase of $4.3 million over FY 25, and $52.6 million in FY 27, which is an increase of $4.5 million over FY 25.

“We were proud to deliver a historic investment in Middletown’s future,” said Sen. Lesser. “Investing in school construction and renovation isn’t just about buildings, it’s about giving every child a safe, modern, and inspiring place to learn. This funding will make a real difference for students, teachers, and families. The additional $2 million to prepare Keigwin as a temporary site ensures students will have a safe, supportive place to learn in the meantime.”

“This funding is a big win for Middletown families,” said Sen. Hochadel. “Macdonough needs major upgrades, and these state dollars will help create a safer, more comfortable learning environment for both students and staff. I’m also glad we’ve secured funding to prepare Keigwin as a temporary home, so learning continues without disruption. It’s great to see Middletown and the state making thoughtful investments in our students’ futures.”

“I’m proud of the funding the Middletown delegation secured for Keigwin and Macdonough schools,” said Rep. Belton. “This critical funding will improve learning environment and support our students and educators. The state budget we passed is a step in the right direction, it invests in education, housing, public health, and support for working families. We still have more to do to make sure every community gets the resources and opportunities they deserve.”

“Due to the hard work of our delegation, we have once again secured a record level of state funding for Middletown,” said Rep. Chafee. “This will ensure we are able to fund programs throughout the community, and continue investing in our future, while keeping property taxes down. We were able to deliver a historic level of education funding, as well as $2 million to renovate the former Kegwin Middle School to get it ready to receive students this fall while MacDonough elementary is reconstructed. We have also secured an agreement in which the state will reimburse the city of Middletown 80% of the construction costs associated with MacDonough, ensuring our students have a healthy and safe space to learn without overburdening our local tax payers.”

“I am excited and grateful that city taxpayers will see an even smaller local cost-sharing burden on the critical reconstruction project at Macdonough Elementary School,” said Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim. “In fact, thanks to the efforts of Senator Lesser and the entire Middletown delegation, the Macdonough project will see the highest rate of state reimbursement, 81%, of any school construction project approved this year, meaning that less than one-fifth of the construction costs will fall on the City. This is a meaningful investment by the State of Connecticut in educating our kids and in moving with urgency to create a new, state-of-the-art facility in the heart of the North End, and it would not have been possible without the delegation’s leadership and advocacy.”

“Middletown is eternally grateful to our delegation in Hartford and the building committee at McDonough School that has worked tirelessly with our leaders to get ourselves in a position to start this most important school renovation project,” said Gene Nocera, City Council President.