Author: Devin James

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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Senators Gaston and Moore Welcome Bond Commission Funding for Bridgeport

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Gaston and Moore Welcome Bond Commission Funding for Bridgeport

State Senators Herron Keyon Gaston and Marilyn Moore celebrated Friday the State Bond Commission’s approval of more than $14 million to support projects throughout Bridgeport including $8 million to remediate a brownfield site near the Pequonnock River.

The remediation project will help offset the cost of cleaning up a 20-acre site between 141 Stratford Ave. and 255 Kossuth St., enabling the land to be developed for other uses. The commission also approved more than $5.1 million for renovations to historically significant locations in Bridgeport’s Washington Park Community.

“This funding represents good news for Bridgeport residents, who will benefit from state support for projects that revitalize our historic neighborhoods and drive economic growth by cleaning up a brownfield site, making it available for future development,” Senator Gaston, D-Bridgeport, said. “I am thankful to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their dedication to improving Bridgeport’s future.”

 “I am grateful to the governor and the State Bond Commission for their approval of funds that invest in Bridgeport’s infrastructure, making land available for future development projects and schools,” Senator Moore, D-Bridgeport, said.

The State Bond Commission agenda also included $800,000 for Achievement First Bridgeport Academy Middle School to assist the public charter school with capital improvements and repaying debts.

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651

Glastonbury Delegation Members Welcome Funding for Addison Park

Posted on by Devin James

Glastonbury Delegation Members Welcome Funding for Addison Park

A state grant of $325,000 to improve Glastonbury’s Addison Park was celebrated Friday by members of the town’s legislative delegation — Senator MD Rahman, D-Manchester, Rep. Jill Barry, D-Glastonbury, and Rep. Jason Doucette, D-Manchester  — after the funding was approved by the State Bond Commission.

The money will help Glastonbury renovate its pool by replacing the plaster and tiles on its surfaces as well as making improvements to critical components like its water filtration system. The funds will also help the town refurbish Addison Park’s basketball and tennis courts.

“Addison Park is a vital hub of community activity in Glastonbury, with a wide range of facilities ranging from pools and tennis courts to its new splash pad,” Senator Rahman said. “The planned upgrades, supported by this state grant, will enhance the park’s facilities, making it a safer and more enjoyable place for families to spend their leisure time. I am thankful to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their commitment to this project, ensuring that Addison Park remains a cherished asset for our community.”

“Addison Park is already an absolute gem in our community and this funding will help to keep it shining. I am grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support,” Representative Doucette said.

“I am thrilled to see this funding allocation for Addison Park,” Representative Barry said. “This investment will help enhance some of the recreational areas in the park which provide a vibrant, inclusive space for everyone to enjoy, play and connect.”

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651

Farmington Delegation Welcomes $250k for Farmington Land Trust

Posted on by Devin James
Senator Derek Slap

Farmington Delegation Welcomes $250k for Farmington Land Trust

Today, State Senators Derek Slap and Rick Lopes and State Representative Mike Demicco welcome the approval of $250,000 for the Farmington Land Trust’s Wilcox-Bushley Homestead Environmental Learning Center. The funding was approved by the State Bond Commission.

The Farmington Land Trust was gifted an 1880 farmhouse and have since renovated and restored the home to honor its history and to create the Wilcox-Bushley Homestead Environmental Learning Center and Land Trust headquarters. These dollars will help complete the renovation project and continue to fund educational programs for the greater Hartford community about the importance of land conservation, specifically as it pertains to the mitigation of climate change.

“The Farmington Land Trust is a true asset to Farmington and to the Greater Hartford community, and I am thrilled that they will receive these funds,” said State Sen. Derek Slap. “With this funding for their educational programs, the Land Trust can continue to educate local youth about the importance of land preservation and being conscious stewards of our environment. I am grateful to the Bonding Commission for approving this important project.”

“This funding will allow the Farmington Land Trust to complete crucial renovations to transform a historic farm property into a headquarters and environmental learning center. This project will not only preserve an important piece of local history but will expand our environmental education programming to inspire more youth across the region to appreciate and protect our natural spaces,” said State Rep. Mike Demicco.

“We are truly delighted to receive such generous funding from the State of Connecticut for the Farmington Land Trust’s Wilcox-Bushley Homestead Environmental Learning Center,” said Francie Brown Holmes, President of the Farmington Land Trust Board. “These funds will allow us to expand our outreach to the Greater Hartford region and increase access to nature and environmental education. The funds will also further our mission to mitigate the effects of climate change and increase sustainability through the preservation of open space.”

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Contact: Garnet McLaughlin
860-304-2319
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Middletown Delegation Welcomes $13.3M in Funding for City

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin | Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov

Middletown Delegation Welcomes $13.3M in Funding for City

Today, State Senators Matt Lesser and Jan Hochadel, and State Representatives Kai Belton and Brandon Chafee welcome $13.3M for Middletown, including $3.5M for renovations to the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce building. The State Bonding Commission gave final approval to several projects:

  • $3.5M for renovations to the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce
  • $2.1M in Community Investment Funds for the Community Health Center Urban Garden Greenhouse
  • $7.7M for renovations at the Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center-South Campus

Working together with Johanna Bond, Executive Director of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, and the Middlesex County delegation, Senator Lesser took the lead in securing $3.5M for renovations to the Chamber building, including energy efficiency upgrades and ADA improvements. The Chamber office is located in downtown Middletown, in a building that was built in 1915. The Chamber seeks to renovate the space to make it safe and energy efficient and complete interior modifications to meet the growing needs for technology and meeting space and install an elevator to provide access for chamber staff, members and the broader community, while maintaining the historic look and character of the original building.

Working with Middletown’s delegation, Sen. Lesser also helped secure funding for the Urban Garden Greenhouse through the Community Investment Fund (CIF). CIF was developed to foster economic development in historically underserved Connecticut communities. The fund has released hundreds of millions of dollars to eligible municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and community development corporations. The project was approved by the Community Investment Fund in March of this year, and now gains final approval from the State Bond Commission.

The Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center-South Campus, locally known as Solnit South, is a youth mental health facility that will receive $7.7 million for replacement of a chiller unit, repairs to the roof, and emergency repairs as necessary.

“After working together with many community partners, I am thrilled to see such big wins for Middletown on today’s bonding agenda that will transform and re-energize Middletown’s Main Street,” said State Sen. Matt Lesser. “I am particularly excited to secure major funding for the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, which serves as a resource for so many small businesses in our area. While the Chamber is continuously reinventing itself to stay relevant for today’s economy, its building is increasingly out of date and inaccessible. It was clear that these upgrades will be essential to help them meet the changing needs of our local business community. Today’s vote invests in Middletown and the surrounding community and I am immensely grateful to Governor Lamont and the Middlesex County legislative delegation for their support.”

“This funding will allow the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce to make critical upgrades to its infrastructure including technological and accessibility improvements all while avoiding programmatic and staffing reductions,” State Sen. Jan Hochadel said. “This support will ensure that the Chamber can continue to serve the local business community and encourage economic development in the Middletown region.”

“I would like to thank Governor Lamont and the bond commission for approving over $13 million in funding for the Urban Garden Greenhouse, Chamber of Commerce, and rehabilitation at the Solnit Psychiatric Center’s South Campus,” State Rep. Brandon Chafee said. “Each of these entities is essential to the health of our thriving community, and I am proud that our delegation continues to deliver funding for these types of investments.”

“I am grateful for the state’s continued investment in Middletown. These projects will provide critical funding to organizations that strengthen our community. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the bond commission for their consideration,” said State Rep. Kai Belton.

“We are so grateful and appreciative to the Governor, the Bond Commission and Senator Matt Lesser for giving us this great opportunity to do much needed upgrades to the Middlesex Chamber building,” said Middlesex Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Johanna Bond. “This allows us to continue to grow our programs and services to support our businesses and communities. We look forward to continuing making Middlesex County a great place to live, work and play.”
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Senator Doug McCrory Welcomes $63 Million for Hartford Area Projects

Posted on by Devin James
Senator McCrory

Senator Doug McCrory Welcomes $63 Million for Hartford Area Projects

Senator Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, applauded the State Bond Commission’s Friday approval of more than $63 million in bond funding for local projects to benefit the greater Hartford area.

The State Bond Commission met Friday to approve an agenda that contained funding for a wide range of projects in Hartford and Bloomfield. These include initiatives approved by the Community Investment Fund Board, on which Senator McCrory serves as a member.

For instance, the panel approved $6.5 million to restore the Charter Oak Cultural Center, $3.5 million to complete renovations of Hartford’s historic Comet Diner, $900,000 to support the creation of a Workforce Hub at the Swift Factory, more than $5.5 million to support the development of housing at Willow Creek in Hartford, and $4 million to fund improvements to Rockwell Park in Bloomfield.

The Bond Commission also approved $11 million to capitalize the Minority Business Revolving Loan Fund, which will be administered by the Hartford Economic Development Corporation as part of the Small Business Boost Fund.

“Through this funding, we’re making good on a promise to serve communities that have gone underfunded for years,” Senator McCrory said. “This State Bond Commission agenda includes critical support to revitalize historic landmarks, improve public parks, and create a workforce hub in Hartford’s North End. Our residents have the vision to improve their communities. These funds ensure they have the resources to make those ideas a reality.”

Friday’s bond agenda also included funding for the Capital Region Development Authority to support a variety of Hartford projects including $10 million for the development of University of Connecticut dorm units on Pratt Street, $7 million to repair water damage at the Connecticut Convention Center, and $5 million for improvements to parking garages in Downtown Hartford.

Other Capital Region Development Authority projects funded through the bond agenda include $2 million for sidewalk, crosswalk, and lighting improvements to the Front Street District, and more than $3.5 million for the conversion of a commercial building on Laurel Street into residential units.

The commission approved funding for several other Hartford area projects including:

– $600,000 for The Open Hearth housing program in Hartford to renovate its bathroom facilities.

– $700,000 for the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective to relocate to a new location in Hartford.

– $400,000 for the North Central Connecticut EMS Council in Hartford for communications systems.

– $3 million to develop housing for University of Connecticut students in Hartford.
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651
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