Author: Devin James

Senators Looney and Duff Release Statements on Assassinations and Attempted Assassinations of Democratic-Farm-Labor Legislators and Spouses in Minnesota

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney and Duff Release Statements on Assassinations and Attempted Assassinations of Democratic-Farm-Labor Legislators and Spouses in Minnesota

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statements today in response to the assassinations of Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark as well as the attempted assassinations of Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.

“We are deeply shocked and heartbroken by the horrifying assassinations of former Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the attempted murders of Democratic–Farmer–Labor Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “As Board President of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, I know the deep commitment Melissa brought to public service as a former leader of the House of Representatives in Minnesota. Unfortunately, we have also learned the risks our colleagues increasingly face simply for doing their jobs. This appalling act of violence is an attack on democracy itself and has shaken legislative bodies across our country to their core. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of Representative Hortman and Mark, and I pray for State Senator Hoffman and his wife as they recover. We must meet this moment with renewed resolve to protect public servants and reject political violence and the vile rhetoric that leads to these actions.”

“Melissa was a passionate leader and friend whom I had the privilege to travel and serve with through the National Conference of State Legislatures,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “Her loss, along with her husband’s, is tragically unfathomable. She was thoughtful, courageous, dedicated, and represented the best of public service. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families and with Senator Hoffman and his wife as they recover. This tragedy reminds us that threats to our democracy are real, and that we must stand united against political violence and the forces that perpetuate it.”

Senators Looney and Duff Release Statements on Assassinations and Attempted Assassinations of Democratic-Farm-Labor Legislators and Spouses in Minnesota

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney and Duff Release Statements on Assassinations and Attempted Assassinations of Democratic-Farm-Labor Legislators and Spouses in Minnesota

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statements today in response to the assassinations of Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark as well as the attempted assassinations of Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.

“We are deeply shocked and heartbroken by the horrifying assassinations of former Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the attempted murders of Democratic–Farmer–Labor Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “As Board President of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, I know the deep commitment Melissa brought to public service as a former leader of the House of Representatives in Minnesota. Unfortunately, we have also learned the risks our colleagues increasingly face simply for doing their jobs. This appalling act of violence is an attack on democracy itself and has shaken legislative bodies across our country to their core. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of Representative Hortman and Mark, and I pray for State Senator Hoffman and his wife as they recover. We must meet this moment with renewed resolve to protect public servants and reject political violence and the vile rhetoric that leads to these actions.”

“Melissa was a passionate leader and friend whom I had the privilege to travel and serve with through the National Conference of State Legislatures,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “Her loss, along with her husband’s, is tragically unfathomable. She was thoughtful, courageous, dedicated, and represented the best of public service. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families and with Senator Hoffman and his wife as they recover. This tragedy reminds us that threats to our democracy are real, and that we must stand united against political violence and the forces that perpetuate it.”

SENATOR OSTEN WELCOMES $100,000 STATE GRANT FOR REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN AT FORMER NORWICH STATE HOSPITAL

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR OSTEN WELCOMES $100,000 STATE GRANT FOR REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN AT FORMER NORWICH STATE HOSPITAL

 

NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed a $100,000 state grant to help complete a remedial action plan for removing hazardous materials at the former 50-acre Norwich State Hospital site in Norwich.

“When you combine today’s $100,000 grant with the $250,000 in Community Investment Fund money that we got back in March, I think it’s fair to say that Norwich is well on its way to redeveloping not just a valuable parcel of unused, abandoned space, but to creating a new gateway to the entire city on the south side of town,” said Sen. Osten. “The impact of this grant and this development is huge when you considerate it in the context the Preston Riverwalk development, the potential rehabilitation of the waste to energy plant, and the work to be done on the Mohegan-Pequot Bridge.”

Norwich received a $100,000 state grant for the Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC) for the assessment of the former Norwich State Hospital, located at 628 and 705 Laurel Hill Road. The grant will enable the NCDC to complete a Phase III ESA, along with a conceptual remedial action plan, structural assessment, hazardous building materials assessment, and estimates of remediation, abatement, and cleanup costs. The NCDC is looking to renovate the property in concert with the neighboring Preston Riverwalk Development.

The Norwich grant is just one 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 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

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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

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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

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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.”