Sen. Duff and Norwalk State Delegation Applaud New State Bonding for Major Infrastructure and Housing Investments

HARTFORD – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and the Norwalk state legislative delegation celebrated the approval of significant state bonding for Norwalk that will strengthen mobility, improve pedestrian safety, revitalize key commercial corridors, and support senior housing. The funding was adopted at today’s meeting of the State Bond Commission.

The State Bond Commission approved the following allocations for Norwalk:

• Lexington Avenue Mobility Upgrades – $2.5 million
  This investment will redesign Lexington Avenue to improve traffic flow, enhance safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and support ongoing neighborhood revitalization efforts. This funding was recently approved in an October meeting of the Community Investment Fund and received final approval by the State Bond Commission today.
• Washington Street Streetscape – $1 million
  Funding will support streetscape improvements—including lighting, sidewalks, and pedestrian enhancements—on one of Norwalk’s most vibrant mixed-use corridors in South Norwalk. This funding was also recently approved in an October meeting of the Community Investment Fund and received final approval by the State Bond Commission today.
• Sidewalk construction along Winfield Street – $3 million
• Sidewalks on Silvermine Avenue between Bartlett Avenue and New Canaan Avenue – $1.2 million
• Norwalk Senior Housing Project at 79 South Main Street & 6–8 Chestnut Street – $180,000
  This grant supports continued planning and development of affordable senior housing in South Norwalk, ensuring older residents can stay in the community they call home.

“This bond agenda delivers real, practical investments that make Norwalk safer, more walkable, and more inclusive,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “From major corridor upgrades and sidewalk expansions to planning support for senior housing, this funding reflects our shared priority of investing in infrastructure that improves everyday life and positions Norwalk for continued growth. I want to thank Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for believing in Norwalk and helping us move these projects forward.”

“I am grateful that this critical funding for housing infrastructure and sidewalks was approved,” said Rep. Lucy Dathan. “I heard from many constituents about their concerns and the urgent need for improvements to the Silvermine sidewalks, and I am proud to help deliver these much-needed upgrades. These investments will strengthen our neighborhoods, improve safety and accessibility, and better connect residents to vital resources and opportunities. By laying the groundwork for long-term stability and economic growth, we are enhancing the overall quality of life in our community.”

“This has been a great year for grant funding for Norwalk, and I am glad that we can celebrate another round of state funding for the City before 2025 comes to a close,” said Rep. Johnson. “These improvements will enable Norwalk to go far in our ongoing work to modernize our City’s infrastructure, making our community more welcoming and safer for current residents and visitors alike. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the bond commission for funding these vital projects.”

“Once completed, these projects will greatly benefit individuals who travel by foot, as well as older residents, two groups that are often overlooked,” said Rep. Roberts. “Thank you again to Governor Lamont and the bond commission for your consideration.”

“I’m proud to serve as part of Norwalk’s state legislative delegation and to represent the 140th District, including much of South Norwalk,” said Rep. Simms. “These investments are about improving everyday life – making our streets safer, strengthening walkability, and supporting seniors who want to remain in the community they call home. This funding reflects a shared commitment to smart infrastructure investments that help Norwalk grow in a way that is inclusive, practical, and built to last.”

“I want to thank Governor Lamont, Senator Duff and the Bond Commission for continuing to prioritize Norwalk residents’ quality of life through these critical infrastructure investments,” said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. “I am proud of the progress we’ve made in building an integrated, safe, and accessible mobility network while strengthening Norwalk’s infrastructure in partnership with the State. Funding for sidewalks on Winfield Street and Silvermine Avenue, mobility upgrades on Lexington Avenue, streetscape improvements on Washington Street, and more affordable housing for our seniors will help Norwalk continue to increase livability, safety and affordability for our residents.”

“We are incredibly excited and grateful for Senator Duff’s leadership in securing these critical state investments for Norwalk,” said Jim Travers, Norwalk Director of Transportation, Mobility, and Parking. “These projects will significantly improve safety, accessibility, and mobility for people of all ages and abilities—whether they are walking, biking, taking transit, or driving. The upgrades to Lexington Avenue, Winfield Street, and Silvermine Avenue directly advance Norwalk’s Complete Streets legislation by creating safer, more connected corridors that support our residents, local businesses, and neighborhoods. This funding allows us to continue building a transportation network that reflects our community’s values and prioritizes safety for everyone.”