Sen. Cabrera and Hamden Delegation Welcomes $198,875 for Hamden DMV Office Upgrades
HARTFORD, CT – The Hamden Delegation, which consists of state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) and state Representatives Mary Welander, Josh Elliott, Robyn A. Porter, Mike D’Agostino and Liz Linehan welcomed state funding totaling $198,875 for improvements at the Hamden Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Office.
“I am grateful for all those involved who I worked alongside to help secure these funds and Governor Lamont, as this will have a positive impact in Hamden,” said Sen. Cabrera. “Improvements to our DMV office will address several necessary areas for improvement regarding roofing, lighting and walkability through sidewalk upgrades.”
“I am excited to see that our local DMV will receive necessary funding to make upgrades to the facility, making it safer and more accessible to our residents,” Rep. Welander said. “Thank you to Governor Lamont, Bonding Subcommittee Co-Chairs Senator Moore and Representative Napoli, and the Hamden delegation for ensuring that our community receives vital funds.”
“The Hamden DMV branch is going to undergo so much positive change thanks to this investment,” said Rep. Elliott. “We’re going to improve the parking lot, repair the roof, and boost security just to name a few upgrades. Everyone who visits the Hamden DMV will notice a huge difference once we put this state bonding money to good use.”
“I thank the Governor and State Bonding Commission for granting this funding, allowing for necessary repairs and upgrades to be made to our public spaces. Now, we must have the necessary and overdue conversations with our Hamden community so that we will be best informed as to what it is they need and desire to improve the neighborhoods that they call home,” said Rep. Porter.
“Our community members and visitors who utilize the Hamden DMV deserve to visit a facility that is safe, functional and accessible. With this funding, we can now make overdue upgrades to our local DMV. I want to thank Governor Lamont, Bonding Subcommittee Co-Chairs Senator Moore and Representative Napoli, and the Hamden delegation for their continued advocacy to secure these funds,” said Rep. D’Agostino.
“This is welcomed funding for the Department of Motor Vehicles facilities. I’m encouraged to see facility upkeep be a priority, as the penny-wise-but-pound-foolish approach to facility management is a larger strain on taxpayers,” said Rep. Linehan. “This is good priority funding that supports the safety of the general public and employees as well, and I’m happy to support it.”
“Many DMV services can now be completed online and we continue to urge residents to use that as the fastest and most convenient option of conducting business with the DMV, however for various reasons it is still important that people have access to in-person offices,” Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission, said. “This funding will be used to ensure the Hamden DMV office can continue to safely operate and provide services to people who live in the region.”
Per the state bonding agenda, $198,875 in state funds will be used for design paving, sidewalks and lighting upgrades at the Hamden DMV, according to the agenda.
Senator Doug McCrory Welcomes Over $28 Million in Funding to Hartford
Senator Doug McCrory Welcomes Over $28 Million in Funding to Hartford
Today, state Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) is welcoming over $28 million in state funding approved by the State Bond Commission for projects in Hartford. These projects will help support funding infrastructure renovations, housing developments, educational opportunities, and safety upgrades.
“Prioritizing the needs of our residents is a top priority and with this funding the future of Hartford looks bright,” said Sen. McCrory. “I would like to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their approval on these investments. Hartford desperately needs to continue to improve on the safety of families and our children deserve the opportunity of success. Affordable housing allows for families to have a safe place to live while enjoying the beautiful upgrades around them.”
“Many of these projects for the Hartford community are long overdue, and I am glad that we could partner with the city and get this state funding approved,” Governor Ned Lamont said.
Under the Bonding Agenda, the allocation of funding for projects in Hartford is as follows:
$1.6 million – Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford:This funding will help with the renovation of the 18,000 sq ft facility featuring amenities designed to provide Hartford youth with services including classroom space, makerspace/technology lab, learning center, gymnasium, art space, and indoor hydroponic garden; $4,570,000 – City of Hartford: This grant will focus on the revitalization of Long Wharf Park; features in the park include public site furniture, lighting, playground, bike paths, outdoor fitness, upgraded walkways, and Food Truck pavilion; $1.5 million -The Prosperity Foundation: This funding will be used by Upper Albany NRZ towards the acquisition of the Salvation Army facility at 333 Homestead Avenue. The agency is exploring several potential uses for the final development including senior housing, intergenerational programming, and a farmer-fresh produce retail market; $7 million – XL Center:These funds will help to finance the design of future renovation work at the XL Center in Hartford and will repair the stadium’s retractable seating and address various other repairs and improvements; $8.5 million – Vacant Industrial Building in Hartford: This funding will help finance the conversion of a vacant industrial building at 235- 237 Hamilton Street in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood into 235 apartments. The loan will be provided as an interest-only 3% loan in years 1 through 5, converting to 3% principal and interest loan for years 6 through 30; $1 million – State Emergency Operations Center in Hartford: These funds will help with renovations and improvements to the State Emergency Operations Center in Hartford. Renovations will include upgrades to the HVAC system, health and safety renovations, as well as improvements to the server room to meet current fire code requirements; $2.5 million – MLK Housing Project:This funding will help to finance the MLK Housing project, managed by Shelden Oaks Central Inc. This project will include the demolition of a previously existing 64-unit apartment community built in 1970 and replace it with 155 mixed income units. 86 units will be designated as affordable, and 69 units will be market rate. The $2.5 million allocation from CRDA will be combined with $2.38 million from the City of Hartford and distributed as an interest-only 2% loan for years 1-10, converting to principal and interest amortizing debt in years 11-40, but scheduled to refinance by year 15. $522,500 – Riverfront Recapture in Windsor/Hartford:These funds will be used to complete a 825 ft trail section and build a bridge spanning Decker’s Brook, closing the gap in the trail system between Hartford and Windsor’s Riverwalks; $125,511 – Camera Installations at Hartford Correctional Center $1.5 million – Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services:This funding will address a wide variety of emergency and infrastructure repairs including electrical, roof leaks and gutter repairs, piping replacement, and structural repairs at Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown and 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford.
SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES $334,000 IN STATE GRANTS FOR NORWICH DOCK AND WALKWAY
SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES $334,000 IN STATE GRANTS FOR NORWICH DOCK AND WALKWAY
NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed State Bond Commission approval of $289,490 for dock replacement at the Howard T. Brown Memorial Park at Norwich harbor, and another $45,000 for the Heritage Riverfront Walkway Overlook Enhancement on the banks of the Yantic River.
The state funding will help cover the cost of long-planned repairs to the dock.
“Brown Memorial Park is a real hub of activity in downtown Norwich, whether you’re fishing off the handicap ramp or enjoying the ‘Rock the Docks’ music series in the summer,” Sen. Osten said. “But, like any municipal infrastructure, and especially one in the water, they require a lot of maintenance and occasional replacement. Hopefully these planned upgrades can last another 30 years or so.”
SENS. MARX, NEEDLEMAN WELCOME $12.009 MILLION IN STATE GRANTS TO UPGRADE REGION 18 SCHOOL AIR FILTRATION
SENS. MARX, NEEDLEMAN WELCOME $12.009 MILLION IN STATE GRANTS TO UPGRADE REGION 18 SCHOOL AIR FILTRATION
Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) and State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed this week’s announcement that Governor Ned Lamont’s administration will award Region District 18 schools with $12.009 million through the HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants Program for Public Schools to improve air filtration and quality. This is part of a $56 million grant release to school systems across the state.
The Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School will receive $6.24 million, the Lyme-Old Lyme Center School will receive $2.719 million and the Lyme-Old Lyme Consolidated School will receive $3.051 million for HVAC upgrades. The funds can be used for replacing, upgrading or repairing boilers and other heating/ventilation components; replacing controls and technology systems for HVAC operations; installing or upgrading air conditioning or ventilation systems; or other work approved by the Department of Administrative Services.
“Our students cannot thrive when they’re breathing in low-quality air,” said Sen. Marx. “If you can’t take a deep breath of healthy air, you can’t learn to the best of your ability. Low air quality can have negative impacts on student health and well-being. Teachers and faculty cannot effectively help students learn without a clean, healthy environment either. This will benefit their health as well. I’m thankful the Lamont Administration is investing in the health and futures of our students.”
“Last year, when elected officials approved legislation making adjustments to the state budget, we did so knowing that this funding would be included, and that it would directly benefit students around the state,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m very encouraged that it will aid students in Lyme and Old Lyme. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for investing in our community.”
The grants program, administered by the state Department of Administrative Services, was created as part of the budget adjustment bill passed by lawmakers and signed into law in the spring of 2022. The law further requires schools to inspect and evaluate HVAC systems every five years, requires these reports to be made public, and requires the reporting of any corrective action taken.
STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL LEADERS JOIN TOGETHER IN NEW LONDON TO RALLY BEHIND NEW COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT
STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL LEADERS JOIN TOGETHER IN NEW LONDON TO RALLY BEHIND NEW COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT
Today, at the Walbach Street construction site of New London’s in-development Community Center, state and federal leaders including U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz (D), State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), State Representative Christine Conley (D-Groton), State Representative Anthony Nolan (D-New London), New London Mayor Michael Passero and New London City Council President Reona Dyess, New London City Council President Pro Tempore James Burke and New London Councilor Akil Peck joined together to extol the project’s benefits for the community and collaboration between federal and state leaders to secure its funding.
The $40 million community and recreation center has received a number of state and federal financial supports, including most recently the March announcement that the state’s Community Investment Fund will contribute $7.236 million to aid construction costs. The center will offer an eight-lane swimming pool, gymnasium, indoor track, workout and game rooms, a community lounge, classroom space for early childhood programs and an instructional kitchen. It will further house the city’s recreation and youth affairs departments. The project additionally recently received a $2 million federal grant to support exercise and recreational opportunities.
“When I got up to Hartford, Mayor Passero made sure the first thing I did was make sure we got $7.2 million from the CIF grant,” said Sen. Marx. “I kept making phone calls and kept making phone calls. When I got off the phone with Senator Looney after learning New London would receive the grant, I told my daughters, two of whom live in Cambridge, and they said ‘wow, New London’s almost as cool as Cambridge!’ I dream all the time about walking into this community center and seeing people walk in with yoga mats, books for book club and kids going swimming. When we get into this completed community center, it is going to be the best thing to ever happen to New London, and it started with Mayor Passero. He did not give up, and he made sure everyone else fighting alongside him did not give up either. Today is a great day for New London.”
“Dreaming big, fighting hard and working like the devil pays off,” said Sen. Blumenthal, “and that’s what this community center represents. Competitive federal grants are incredibly well fought, but what sells them is their merit. New London has produced a world-class, beautiful dream come true. And this is more than just physical well-being. Early childhood education, the beating heart of a community, will be supported by this center. Cooking lessons will aid residents. It is really a community center in the fullest extent of the word.”
“The federal government is making a big bet on New London, and we think it’s a safe bet,” said Sen. Murphy. “There are very few communities in the country that can list off the assets for residents, businesses and families that New London has. It has a history connected to the greatness of America, access to the country’s busiest rail line, access to outdoor recreation and the water. But it’s been missing a recreational facility, and this bet we’re making on New London is one that will drive residential and commercial growth. But something that will make New London more attractive for businesses and families is a modern, world-class recreational facility. When this goes up, it will be part of what helps us recruit and attract businesses and families to southeastern Connecticut.”
“It’s great to be able to celebrate our state’s investment of $7.2 million to this project,” said Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz. “It took a lot to get us to this place. More than a decade ago, people had this great idea. It took all of us working together to help us get there. It took our legislators, led by Senator Marx, who worked tirelessly to get us this community investment funding. It took our fairy godfathers of federal funding, U.S. Senators Blumenthal and Murphy, to get us to this place. The Governor has made sure New London has received a good chunk of state dollars to move the city forward. This project rose to the top because of its focus on health and wellness, making sure New London kids got swimming lessons, making sure seniors and residents have a place to gather. The city of New London is a smaller city in a very compact area, but it’s a place with a big heart, and once this center is complete, it’ll be a place to put the community’s heart.”
“When I think of this community center, I think of the generation of folks, including myself, who have never had a community center,” said Rep. Conley. “I think about the kids who have grown up without the access that the kids behind us will have. The kids will have a place to go for supervised visitation after school, a place to get their energy out and a place for the teenagers to go and hang out and learn from mentors. What New London has missed is a community center. We are a community – we just need a place to be. All we need is a few more months while it’s built and then our community will come.”
“New London, we did it,” said Rep. Nolan. “The biggest priority New London has had in the last several years is this community center. I’d like to thank my colleagues and the federal delegation who bet on New London. We are the blueprint for Connecticut with all these projects we have going. We have been talking, probably, since 2005 for this spot to be a community center and it has come to fruition. It was not an individual effort, it was a team effort, and I’m so happy to see so many people supporting this so we can move on to what’s next when it’s complete.”
“We’re here to thank the people who made this dream possible for the people of New London,” said Mayor Passero. “The fact is, we have been without any indoor recreational facilities since the YMCA pulled out in the 1980s, and that’s the thing residents most ask for and have pointed out the lack of. This facility will become the heart and soul of our city. It will make sure everyone in our city has a place to come and convene. This project represents the culmination of close to 12 years of work. The final pieces were a funding gap. We went to our elected officials and presented them with the situation and they came through big time. I’d like to thank the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, our local delegation, the Community Investment Fund, Senator Looney, House Speaker Ritter, Senator Murphy, Senator Blumenthal and the Department of Economic and Community Development for their support.”
“Ten years ago, the Mayor asked community leaders to talk about a community center up in Hartford,” said Dyess. “I went to share the importance of our city and why we need a community center. Unfortunately, that year, the proposal was voted down, but our Mayor kept fighting. We have to be at the table to usher in change, and this inspired me to run for office. Now I’m in my second term on the City Council. The honor to be able to be here to see this happening, having been there at the beginning, is so exciting.”
Stamford Delegation Welcomes Over $3 Million in Funding for Marinas
Stamford Delegation Welcomes Over $3 Million in Funding for Marinas
HARTFORD, CT – The Stamford Delegation (for the district), which consists of state Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford) and state Representatives David Michel (D–Stamford) and Anabel Figueroa (D-Stamford) welcomed state funding totaling $3,352,020 for dredging at Cove Island Park Marina Channel, Cummings Marina final design and permitting and a Harbor Boat launch feasibility study in Stamford.
“These funds will go a long way in continuing to address much-needed dredging of the marina and channel at Cove Island Park,” said Sen. Miller. “I’m very grateful for all who have remained focused on securing these funds, Governor Ned Lamont and the bonding commission. Through these funds, we continue to make progress towards improving our beautiful marinas.”
“I am extremely grateful to the state for sending support for long awaited fixes for our Stamford marina,” said Rep. Michel (D–Stamford). “Many thanks to Senator Miller and the rest of the delegation!”
“This funding, which will allow Stamford’s port and Harbor to perform necessary repairs and maintenance, will greatly improve the services it delivers to our city,” said Rep. Figueroa. “I thank the Governor and State Bonding Commission for their support.”
“The marinas in Cove Island Park have been in desperate need of repairs for many years now, and I am glad that the state could partner with Stamford to get this funding approved and put into good use,” Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission, said.
Per the state bonding agenda, marina funding will allocate $3,095,520 in state funding for the Cove Island Park Marina Channel Dredging, $236,500 for Cummings Marina and $20,000 for the harbor boat launch feasibility study.
Sen. Lesser and Rep. Carpino Welcomes $16,800 for Body Worn Recording Equipment for Cromwell Police Department
Sen. Lesser and Rep. Carpino Welcomes $16,800 for Body Worn Recording Equipment for Cromwell Police Department
HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and state Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell/Portland) applaud $16,800 reimbursement to the Cromwell Police Department for recording equipment approved by the State Bond Commission today. The bonding item reimburses 14 police departments across the state for the purchase of body cameras, dashboard cameras, and video storage devices.
“Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their dedication to public safety,” said Sen. Lesser. “Body worn and dash cameras are important tools that keep both our police officers and our communities safe and I welcome this investment, which will help improve safety in the town of Cromwell.”
“The Cromwell Police Department keeps our community safe every hour of every day. Video technology has added a new layer of security and transparency to their encounters-which benefits both the community and the officers. This bonding allocation will support the town in their efforts to provide the required technology,” said Rep. Carpino.
“Body cameras have been proven to provide both police and civilians with a valuable resource that benefits public safety, and I am glad that the state could partner with the Town of Cromwell to get this funding approved,” Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission, said.
This funding was authorized by Public Act 20-1 which passed on a bipartisan vote and allows municipalities to apply for reimbursement for the purchase of body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, and video storage devices to archive footage.
Middletown Delegation Applauds Nearly $350,000 for Russell Library & Police Department
Middletown Delegation Applauds Nearly $350,000 for Russell Library & Police Department
Hartford, CT – Today state Senator Matthew Lesser (D-Middletown), state Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Middletown), state Representative Brandon Chafee (D-Middletown) and state Representative Kai Belton (D-Middletown) welcomed nearly $350,000 in state funding for Middletown. The State Bond Commission, led by chairman Governor Lamont, voted to approve a $250,000 grant-in-aid for the Russell Library accessibility and remodeling project and a $91,763 reimbursement to the Middletown Police Department for the purchase of body cameras, dashboard cameras and video storage devices.
“The Russell Library is a cornerstone of our community and is in real need of renovation,” said Sen. Lesser. “These funds, combined with local support with ARPA funds dedicated by the City of Middletown, will allow Russell Library to renovate its lobby and entrance. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for voting to approve these funds to provide essential updates to the library, and to also reimburse the Middletown Police Department for important equipment to bolster public safety.”
“These investments will only enhance our community here in Middletown and provide necessary upgrades,” said Sen. Hochadel. “I am thankful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving this funding that will work to complete these important projects in our community.”
“This funding is great for our city as it will reimburse our police department for equipment crucial to their roles and provide funding for renovations to the Russell Library, making it a better public space for residents to enjoy,” said Rep. Chafee “I thank the Governor and State Bonding Commission for their support.”
“Libraries provide vital resources to the communities that they serve. The money allocated to Russell Library will ensure that it will continue to be a staple of Middletown for the foreseeable future. I’d like to thank the bond commission and Governor Lamont for this funding, as well as the funds to reimburse Middletown PD for the purchase of body cameras, dash cameras, and video storage devices,” said Rep. Belton.
“Body cameras have been proven to provide both police and civilians with a valuable resource that benefits public safety, and I am glad that the state could partner with the City of Middletown to get this funding approved,” Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission, said.
The funding for the Middletown Police Department was authorized by Public Act 20-1 which passed on a bipartisan vote and allows municipalities to apply for reimbursement for the purchase of body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, and video storage devices to archive footage.
“Middletown’s Russell Library provides an invaluable resource to the area’s residents, and I am glad that the state could partner with the city to ensure that these much-needed renovations can move forward and the services the library provides can continue for many years to come,” Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission, said.
Sen. Lesser, Rep. Turco and Rep. Farrar Welcome $37,221 for Body Worn Recording Equipment for Newington Police Department
Sen. Lesser, Rep. Turco and Rep. Farrar Welcome $37,221 for Body Worn Recording Equipment for Newington Police Department
HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), state Representative Gary Turco (D-Newington, New Britain) and state Representative Kate Farrar (D-Newington, West Hartford) applaud $37,221 reimbursement to the Newington Police Department for recording equipment approved by the State Bond Commission today. The bonding item reimburses 14 police departments across the state for the purchase of body cameras, dashboard cameras, and video storage devices.
“Body worn and dashboard cameras are an essential tool in ensuring public safety – both for first responders and for the communities they serve,” said Sen. Lesser. “I’m pleased that Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission have continued to prioritize their commitment to public safety by allocating these state funds to our municipalities and local police departments. I know how important this support is to Chief Clark and our Newington Department.”
“As a member of the Public Safety and Security Committee, I want to thank Governor Lamont and State Bond Commission for approving this funding for the Newington Police Department,” said state Rep. Gary Turco. “This funding is vital to ensure that the Newington Police can purchase the technology needed to improve the safety and security of our community every day.”
“The reimbursement provided by the State Bond Commission to the Newington Police Department for body cameras, dash cameras, and video storage devices is a welcome relief. These additional resources increase transparency, which benefits both officers and their communities,” said state Rep. Kate Farrar. “We greatly appreciate the dedication of the Newington Police Department and understand the importance of providing them with the necessary tools to continue their services.”
“Body cameras have been proven to provide both police and civilians with a valuable resource that benefits public safety, and I am glad that the state could partner with the Town of Newington to get this funding approved,” Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission, said.
This funding was authorized by Public Act 20-1 which passed on a bipartisan vote and allows municipalities to apply for reimbursement for the purchase of body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, and video storage devices to archive footage.
Duff Joins Call for Creation of Climate Peace Clause to Ensure Climate Progress
Duff Joins Call for Creation of Climate Peace Clause to Ensure Climate Progress
Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) joined over 190 state legislators from 52 states and territories calling on the Biden Administration to ensure renewable energy jobs in states are no longer threatened by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other trade and investment agreements.
States are leaders on climate action, having passed bold and innovative policies to increase renewable energy and reduce emissions. However, this progress has been challenged on the international stage with challenges brought to the World Trade Organization (WTO). To address climate change, states need to have the ability to nurture and grow domestic industries, such as renewable energy, to create and ensure good jobs for local communities.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 invests a landmark $369 billion in climate and energy investments. However, this landmark policy now also faces threats of challenges on the international stage.
“Connecticut continues to make progress fighting climate change locally, most notably with the recent CT Clean Air Act” said Senator Duff. “Now, we have a President who cares about the dangers of a rapidly changing climate and led the way to make once-in-a-generation investment in clean energy. We cannot stop this progress because of trade rules from a bygone era.”
Our states, the country, and the world face a critical point in addressing climate change. This moment demands that states and the U.S. meet the climate crisis with a sense of urgency. Legislators call on the Biden Administration to align trade policy and climate goals by championing a climate peace clause on the international stage. Creating a climate peace clause would be a commitment among governments to refrain from using outdated trade rules to challenge other countries’ climate policies. Commitment to a climate peace clause would help cement the U.S. as a global leader on climate and signal that trade rules should no longer be a barrier to a just, green transition.