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

HADDAM LEADERS WELCOME $800,000 IN SIDEWALK CONNECTION GRANTS

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), State Representative Christine Palm (D-Haddam) and Haddam First Selectman Robert McGarry welcomed the state’s announcement that the Department of Transportation and Governor Ned Lamont will release $800,000 in grant funding through the Community Connectivity Grant Program to support sidewalk repairs in Haddam. Specifically, those funds will go toward Higganum Center connections, seeking to connect the Village Center to town landmarks.

“It’s excellent to know our community will receive this key support from the state to support Higganum Center, an economic centerpiece for Haddam, and will help connect it to town for pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m excited to see how this work benefits our communities. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Department of Transportation for their support.”

“As the people of Higganum seek to make their village more walkable, this grant will be a vital step in increasing  both aesthetics and safety,” said Rep. Palm. “We talk a lot about how government funds are apportioned; this is a great example of state funds being used in a creative, efficient, and targeted way for our community.”

“We’re thrilled to be awarded this grant,” said First Selectman McGarry. “We’re working hard to revitalize Higganum Center.  The sidewalks this grant funds will make a major improvement to the area.”

“Our main streets and community centers serve as vital social, economic, and transportation hubs,” Governor Lamont said. “Improving local infrastructure for all users in community centers is a win for our whole state and opens the door to further economic growth.”

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

PORTLAND LEADERS WELCOME $612,000 IN SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT GRANTS

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Portland) and Portland First Selectman Ryan Curley welcomed the state’s announcement that the Department of Transportation and Governor Ned Lamont will release $612,000 in grant funding through the Community Connectivity Grant Program to support sidewalk repairs in the community. Specifically, those funds will go toward the Complete Streets Main Street Sidewalk Improvements’ third phase of development.

“It’s wonderful news that our community is receiving key support to improve the safety and connectivity of our sidewalks for walkers, runners, bicyclists and anyone wanting to get around town easier without a car,” said Sen. Needleman. “This work will benefit many town residents and improve local quality of life through support of outdoor travel and recreation. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Department of Transportation for their support.”

“Safe and accessible sidewalks in Portland benefit the entire town as well as visitors,” said Rep. Carpino. They serve to connect our community on both social and economic fronts. I appreciate the collaborative efforts of the governor, our delegation, and the agency for prioritizing Portland.”

“We are thrilled to be awarded this Connectivity Grant,” said First Selectman Curley. “These funds will enable the Town to complete our sidewalk replacement project along Main Street, significantly enhancing walkability and connectivity in one of the most heavily traversed areas in our town. This project is a vital step towards creating a safer and more accessible environment for all our residents and visitors. My thanks to Sen. Needleman, Rep. Carpino, Governor Lamont, and the Department of Transportation for supporting this initiative.”

“Our main streets and community centers serve as vital social, economic, and transportation hubs,” Governor Lamont said. “Improving local infrastructure for all users in community centers is a win for our whole state and opens the door to further economic growth.”

This work will build on existing efforts for Portland’s streets to become more accessible between neighborhoods, allowing for increased access by foot and bicycle to important town resources and fostering better community interconnectivity.

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

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES MORE THAN $750,000 IN STATE FUNDS SUPPORTING LYME BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed the news that the state Department of Transportation will commit $770,275 to the town of Lyme to support the replacement of the bridge carrying Beaver Brook Road over water.

“It’s great knowing the town of Lyme will receive this key support to support this important bridge replacement project, helping the local community, saving the town and its residents money and keeping local infrastructure safe,” said Sen. Needleman.

The funds will come from the State Local Bridge Program, a cost-matching grant program providing 50% of project costs for locally owned bridges. Towns and cities administer design and construction, while the DOT oversees project milestones and provides guidance.

Since 2016, the State Local Bridge Program has provided more than $129 million in grants to state towns and cities, representing significant financial relief to municipalities.