Gary Winfield

New Haven Legislators Welcome $28M in State Funds for Local Projects

Members of the New Haven delegation today announced that o $28.7 million in critical state funding for 11 local initiatives and projects is set to be approved by the State Bond Commission at its upcoming meeting on July 25.

Included on the commission’s agenda is:

• $10,000,000- Grant-in-aid to Cornell Scott Hill Health Center Corporation in New Haven to assist with development of a new 52 bed, 43,800 sq. ft. Recovery and Wellness Center for substance abuse patients.
• $8,000,000- Flood control and shoreline rehabilitation at East Shore Park and Long Warf in New Haven. Improvements will increase the resiliency of these areas through improved storm water management and will include the design and construction of new innovative living shorelines.
• $5,900,000- These funds are requested to provide a supplemental grant-in-aid to the New Haven Parking Authority for renovations, improvements and repairs to its unrestricted parking structures.
• $1,464,510- These funds are requested to provide a grant-in-aid to the Connecticut Children’s Museum in New Haven to assist with renovations and improvements to its facility. The project consists of exterior masonry repairs, window restoration, accessibility improvements, site improvements, interior renovations and new mechanical and electrical systems.
• $957,063- New Haven—Beecher, Rogers, Fair Haven and Truman Schools—Grants-in-aid to assist targeted local and regional school districts for alterations, repairs, improvements. Technology and equipment.
• $850,000- Amistad School—New Haven—debt repayment
• $850,000- Elm City College Prep—New Haven—debt repayment- These funds are requested to provide grants-in-aid to assist Charter Schools with capital improvements and repayment of debt
• $751,000- Purchase of four parcels of Department of Transportation surplus properties adjacent to the Port of New Haven for maritime-related uses.

“The Children’s Museum not only provides quality childcare, but also a variety of programs that are both educational and enriching,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “This funding will allow the museum to update and improve its facility to better serve the children of our community by making it more accessible, more energy-efficient, and generally more up-to-date.”

Sen. Looney continued, “The Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center offers a uniquely cost-effective combination of behavioral health counseling, primary medical services and temporary housing that have helped thousands of greater New Haven residents with substance abuse disorders achieve and maintain sobriety. In particular, the center offers substance abuse treatment for New Haven’s most economically disadvantaged residents who have few, if any, other treatment options.”

“This round of state investment is great news for the City of New Haven. Each of these projects represents the kind of growth and progress our community wants and needs,” Sen. Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) said. “Better schools, parks, museums, and increased access critical substance abuse programs will enhance the quality of life for our city residents.”

“I’m really excited about the state investments that are being made in New Haven. The $10 million grant to the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center will help strengthen our capacity to deal with unprecedented addiction issues in our area,” Rep. Patricia Dillon (D-New Haven) said. “The $8 million investment for costal resilience at East Shore Park and Long Warf is also critical to our shoreline.”

“I want to thank the governor for his continued investment in the City of New Haven and in the critical matters where we need help such as the parking garages, the schools and the Cornell Scott Hill Center, which desperately needs renovation. It’s important that we keep our cities vibrant and replenish those areas that have been worn down by time and usage, and maintain them so that all people in Connecticut can have access to services, not just in New Haven but in all the cities where they seek services,” said Rep. Toni Walker (D-New Haven), a member of the State Bond Commission who will vote for the bonding.

“The people of New Haven can look to the State Bond Commission’s funding and be proud to see the investments made in our city,” stated Rep. Robyn Porter (D—New Haven, Hamden). “With our schools, parking garages, the Cornell Scott Hill Center and the Connecticut Children’s Museum on the list, we can see a clear message from the state that New Haven and its residents are worth investing in.”

“This vital funding we have worked to secure will go a long way toward flood prevention and protecting our shoreline. This will address two critical issues for the East Shore Park and Long Wharf area for residents, businesses and visitors.” said Rep. Alphonse Paolillo (D-New Haven). “I am also glad to see that the project will use the latest green, environmentally friendly technology that will benefit our natural ecosystem.”

“The needs of the New Haven area and its residents are blessed to have the governor’s strong support,” Rep. Roland Lemar (D-New Haven). “All of these projects are critical not only to preserving but also moving our communities forward. especially at a time when money is tight. I applaud all of the people who helped make this bonding possible.”