Month: August 2025

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes State Bonding to Youth Empowerment Group in Bridgeport

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes State Bonding to Youth Empowerment Group in Bridgeport

Today, state Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (D-Bridgeport) is welcoming $250,000 from the State Bond Commission for Full Circle Youth Empowerment, Inc. in Bridgeport.

The $250,000 in state bonding is expected to help fund planning activities related to the acquisition and renovation of a facility to support youth and family programming.

“This funding for Full Circle Youth Empowerment will help lay the foundation for a space where children and families can learn, grow, and thrive together,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “I’m proud to support efforts that uplift our community and provide real opportunities for the next generation.

Full Circle Youth Empowerment Inc. works to empower, support and encourage youth. The organization provides a variety of programs and services that support youth to help strengthen their skill development and increase their well-being to achieve optimal success personally, socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually.

Sen. Maroney, West Haven Delegation Welcomes Funding to the Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Maroney, West Haven Delegation Welcomes Funding to the Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project

Today, West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer and the West Haven Delegation consisting of state Senator James Maroney, state Representatives Trenee McGee, Bill Heffernan, and MJ Shannon, are welcoming $2.4 million from the State Bond Commission to help with the Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project in West Haven.

“This investment will ensure that students have a safer commute to school each day, whether they walk, ride a bike, or get a ride,” said Sen. Maroney. “These upgrades will improve the immediate area around the schools, and also focus on creating safe, accessible routes throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. It’s a smart step forward for both student safety and community well-being.”

“This project is about safety, connectivity, accessibility and quality of life for our students, our teachers and the neighbors,” said Mayor Borer. “Savin Rock has the largest elementary enrollment which has contributed to significant and adverse vehicle and pedestrian traffic impact in recent years which needs to be addressed as they are experiencing increased incidents. These challenges are very similar to the high traffic impact around the V.A. which earlier in 2025 the city was awarded $1.8 million in State funding to assist with the same type of infrastructure investment as well. Additionally, Washington School was just rebuilt but school construction does not include funding for the sidewalks around the school. We appreciate that most of these issues will be addressed with the State Bonding.”

“I believe any project intended to create a safer environment, especially around our schools, should move forward as quickly as possible,” Rep. Trenee McGee said. “The Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project is a win for the students, Washington and Savin Rock Schools, and residents in the areas surrounding both schools. I want to thank the State Bond Commission and Gov. Lamont for approving the funds for the project.”

“We always want to keep our pedestrians and students safe, and this project – with this funding – will help do that,” said Rep. Heffernan. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for helping make this project possible by including funds on the bond agenda.”

“Developing a walkable neighborhood is a great win, especially when it creates safeguards for the young people in our community,” said Rep. Shannon. “Once this project is completed, the areas surrounding Washington and Savin Rock will have the infrastructure necessary to protect individuals traveling by foot. This means local students will be able to safely walk or bike to school. These changes will make the area more accessible for all, which will greatly benefit the community. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their investment in West Haven.”

The project includes street paving within a one- to two-mile radius of both Washington School and Savin Rock School. It also features ADA improvements and crosswalk upgrades, including eight multiway crosswalks at Savin Rock and six at Washington.. Aesthetic enhancements will be made including the planting of trees and painted crosswalks near drop-off areas.

The project will impact over 700 students attending both schools. Residents living near each school see higher-than-average traffic during the school year and require more frequent maintenance. Neighbors will also benefit from walkability and the associated environmental benefits from reduced GHG/Motor vehicle emissions.

This work is expected to begin in late Fall of 2025 and early Spring of 2026.

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF $25 MILLION OF STATE BONDS SUPPORTING CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF $25 MILLION OF STATE BONDS SUPPORTING CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), a member of the Crumbling Foundations Caucus, issued the following statement as the State Bond Commission voted to release $25 million of state bond funds to the Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund for the 2025-26 fiscal year:

“While more than a thousand homes have been repaired thanks to the state’s efforts to repair homes with crumbling foundations, there is still plenty of work remaining, which is why these funds are so important,” said Sen. Anwar. “This program is a lifeline for homeowners who are placed in dire circumstances through no fault of their own, and knowing they will have more support in the coming year eases my concerns. I’m grateful to the Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for supporting this important initiative.”

SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES $192,100 IN STATE GRANTS FOR WESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES $192,100 IN STATE GRANTS FOR WESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s vote to provide a $192,100 grant to the Weston Public Library. These funds will be used for the library’s project to improve accessibility and emergency preparedness while supporting enhancements to its energy conservation capabilities.

“The Weston Public Library offers a vital resource to the community, allowing for education, entertainment and great local events bringing so many of us together,” said Sen. Maher. “To know more people will have easier access to its collection, it will become more resilient against potential weather disasters and it will see operating costs fall while saving more energy? That’s amazing for Weston. I’m grateful to the Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their support of our region.”

As part of the Bond Commission’s August 1 activities, it administered the grant through the state library, which offers construction grants to public library construction projects worth up to half the cost of the project.

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $3+ MILLION IN STATE BOND COMMISSION GRANTS SUPPORTING WATERFORD, MONTVILLE

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $3+ MILLION IN STATE BOND COMMISSION GRANTS SUPPORTING WATERFORD, MONTVILLE

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s vote to provide more than $3 million in financial support for Montville and Waterford.

With the Bond Commission’s vote to support new funding allocations, those include $1.4 million for Montville’s Avalonia Land Conservancy to purchase the Bond Property, as well as a grant valued at $1 million to Waterford, supporting upgrades to public safety communications equipment.

Further support for local projects includes a $250,000 allocation of funds to the Montville VFW Post 10060 for renovations and upgrades, a $200,000 allocation to the town of Montville to renovate its pavilion and upgrade its recreational fields, and another $175,000 allocation to Montville for upgrades and paving of the local pickleball court.

“This investment into our local communities represents real improvements for local resources to keep people safe and enjoy local events. It also represents the vital preservation of hundreds of acres of land, keeping it untouched except for hiking and outdoor recreation,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m grateful to the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for this investment.”

The Bond Property in Montville is 673 acres, protecting drinking water, local wildlife and open space. The Avalonia Land Conservancy says parts of the land are expected to be used for trail development and educational programming.

Upgrading Waterford radios is a necessary process to make sure town first responders have the capability to update equipment and support regional information, with plans to connect to a larger network that allows better communication between regional first responders, according to town officials.

Sen. Slap, Rep. Gibson Welcome $1M for Auerfarm

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Slap, Rep. Gibson Welcome $1M for Auerfarm

HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap and State Representative Bobby Gibson welcomed news that the State Bond Commission approved $1 million in grant funding for Auerfarm in Bloomfield today.

Auerfarm is a 120-acre non-profit educational farm located in Bloomfield and they offer summer camps and programming for children and adults. The funding will help pave Auer Farm Road, currently a dirt road. The current condition of the road is difficult for school buses to navigate and there is significant cost to repair the road after inclement weather.

“Auerfarm is an incredible asset to our community and beyond,” said Sen. Slap. “They offer a unique approach to learning the vital role agriculture and the environment plays in our food systems and I am grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving this funding that will support Auerfarm and their students for years to come.”

“During the last legislative session, I introduced a bill that provided additional funding for Farm to School programs,” said Rep. Gibson. “These programs provide students with hands on experience in the agricultural world, which ensures that our young people will grow into well rounded adults. Auerform has done tremendous work in this regard, and this funding will provide them with a much needed boost. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their consideration.”

“We are very excited to hear that Auerfarm will receive $1 million in state bonding to repair our road. Funding isn’t just about repairing a road; It’s an investment in access for all, ensuring that every student, family, and visitor can safely and easily reach our 120-acre outdoor classroom,” said Erica Fearn, Executive Director of Auerfarm. “This vital funding fuels our Learn, Explore, Connect initiative, allowing us to deepen our mission of inspiring lifelong learning through agriculture, science, and the environment. We are incredibly grateful for this support, which will help us continue to cultivate curiosity and foster a profound appreciation for the natural world in our community and beyond.”

The commission met Friday, August 1 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Senator Honig and Representative Kavros DeGraw Welcome Funding for The Arc of Farmington Valley

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Honig and Representative Kavros DeGraw Welcome Funding for The Arc of Farmington Valley

Senator Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, and Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw, D-Avon, welcomed the State Bond Commission’s Friday approval of $2.5 million in funding for The Arc of the Farmington Valley (FAVARH) to support the construction of a new Workforce Resource Center in Canton.

The facility will enhance The Arc’s ability to provide job training and other essential services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence.

“For years, the Arc of the Farmington Valley has provided invaluable support and job opportunities to many of our neighbors with disabilities,” Senator Paul Honig said. “The funding released today will help expand their capacity to connect these dedicated workers with meaningful community employment. It’s tough to think of a more deserving cause and I’m grateful to the State Bond Commission for helping to empower people with disabilities.”

“FAVARH’s work around employment for people with disabilities is not just important to the Farmington Valley; they have clients in 34 towns across Connecticut,” said Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw. “By allocating these bonding dollars to their new facility for workforce development, we are acknowledging how critical this work is to employ our most underutilized demographic of workers. The jobs that FAVARH helps their clients secure provide these individuals with pride in their work, social interaction on the job, and inclusion as the vibrant members of our community they are.”

The funding was among the projects approved by the State Bond Commission during its Friday morning meeting in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.