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10/06/2023

New Transportation Bonding Unlocks up to $2.5 Billion in Federal Funds for Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced that the Connecticut State Bond Commission today voted to approve more than $1.1 billion in state funding that will be used to perform various and widespread improvements to Connecticut’s transportation system.

Governor Lamont serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission and determines which projects get placed on its agenda for approval. The governor said he prioritized transportation projects at today’s meeting to leverage all federal matching dollars available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“The $1.1 billion in state bond funding we are releasing today positions our state to create the transportation network of the future, which will connect people to jobs, employment, and all our state has to offer,” Governor Lamont said. “This funding will help bring upgrades to a wide variety of improvements across our transportation network, including roads, bridges, and public transit. Notably, it will support our ongoing goal of putting the infrastructure in place that will help reduce travel times between New Haven and New York. By leveraging all federal dollars available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can bring significant improvements to our state’s transportation system while lessening the burden on Connecticut taxpayers.”

“By advancing these funds, Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission are ensuring Connecticut residents will see a substantial increase in projects that will improve transportation access, grow the economy, increase safety and reliability, and improve quality of life,” Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “This funding is setting the stage for the next ten years of needed projects that will transform our infrastructure with improved roads and bridges and a robust multimodal transportation network that is accessible to everyone.”

The funding includes more than $666 million for public transportation and more than $300 million for roads and bridges. Some of the specific projects approved for funding today include:

• Northeast Corridor (NEC) Match Program: $398.1 million for 13 projects aimed at upgrading outdated passenger rail infrastructure and improving transit efficiency, speed, and capacity. This allocation will provide a match for up to $2.1 billion in matching federal funding.
• Fix-it-First Bridge Repair: $98 million for rehabilitation, reconstruction, repair, or replacement of bridges on the state highway system, matching $40 million in federal funds. Some examples of projects include:
  • Middletown – replace bridge carrying I-91 over an unnamed brook
  • New Britain/Plainville – rehab/replace five bridges carrying Route 72
• I-91/1-691/Route 15 Interchange in Meriden: $31.7 million for interchange reconstruction and realignment on I-91 Northbound, I-691 Westbound, and Route 15 Northbound to address operational and safety concerns that will improve safety and decrease congestion, matching $223 million in federal funds.
• New Haven Union Station Improvements: $15 million for the design of three enhancement projects to the property, including a new multimodal hub, parking structure, and rental car facility in the West Lot; Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in the existing East Lot; and the realignment of Union Avenue near Union Station to enhance traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian safety.
• Stamford Station Parking Garage Demolition: $9 million for the demolition of the 1985 parking garage at Stamford Transportation Center, the busiest rail station in the state. Demolition of the old garage will allow the state to proceed with solicitation of Transit-Oriented Development projects adjacent to the station, which is the busiest rail station in the state.
• Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP): $12.9 million for grants to provide funding to municipalities through the Councils of Government (COGs) to address regional transportation priorities through capital improvement projects.
• Installation of Advanced Wrong-Way Driving Technology: $12.4 million to support the implementation of wrong-way driver detection systems at 70 high-risk locations statewide. These systems will alert drivers of incorrect direction by flashing red lights and state police will be notified in real time through special alerts.
• Community Connectivity and Alternative Mobility Program: $12 million for an additional round of grant awards to local projects that improve safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users in urban, suburban, and rural community centers, to be announced next month. To date, more than 100 projects have received grant funding totaling more than $38 million.
• Transportation Rural-Improvement Program (TRIP): $10 million for grants to provide funding to rural and small towns for infrastructure improvements. The first round of grants for this new program will be awarded over the next several months.
• State Local Bridge Program Improvements: $7.1 million for grants for local bridge projects across the state, to be matched by $7.1 million in local funds. Examples of projects include:
  • Burlington – Covey Road over Bunnell Brook
  • New Haven – Humphrey Street over Mill River
  • Washington – Rabbit Hill Road over Meeker Swamp Road
  • Windsor – Pleasant Valley Road over Podunk River
• New Haven Downtown Roadway Drainage Project: $5.8 million for the City of New Haven to improve drainage and reduce flooding on Union Avenue. This will provide a partial match for a $25 million federal FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant.
• Transit District Facility Improvements: $5 million to renovate the new headquarters facility for the Northwest Connecticut Transit District in Torrington.
• Groton/North Stonington Safety Improvements: $3 million for safety improvements and pavement rehabilitation from I-95 Exit 89 to the Rhode Island State Line, matching $54 million in federal funds.

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09/29/2023

Governor Lamont Releases $24.5 Million in State Grants to 60 Small Towns for Infrastructure Improvements

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is approving the release of $24.5 million in state grants for 60 small towns in Connecticut that will be used to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements, such as road safety reconstruction projects, sewer and drainage upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhancements, recreational facility upgrades, and other kinds of capital improvement projects.

The grants are provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), a state program managed by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects.

“Our small towns are an integral part of what makes Connecticut such a special place to live and work,” Governor Lamont said. “By working with them on these grants, the state can help get these vital projects completed so these towns can continue to grow, thrive, and attract businesses, while improving the quality of life for our residents.”

Towns seeking funding under this round of STEAP grants were required to submit applications to OPM by August 18, 2023. Those whose applications have been approved will soon receive official award notification and instructions from OPM.

Funding to support these grants was approved at a recent meeting of the State Bond Commission, a group that Governor Lamont leads as chairperson. In addition to the grants from the state, municipalities are also contributing funding to support the projects, bringing the total spent on the 60 projects to $46.7 million in state, local, and other funding sources.

The grants awarded in this round of STEAP grants include:

• Andover: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the Andover Recreation Facility Enhancements Phase II. This will be matched by $150,000 from the town.
• Barkhamsted: $384,246 in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of roads. This will be matched by $93,400 from the town.
• Beacon Falls: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of West Road. This will be matched by $1,987,000 from the town and $150,000 in additional funding.
• Bethany: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the renovation of the Department of Public Works Building and parking area. This will be matched by $103,715 from the town.
• Bolton: $500,000 in state funding is approved for upgrades to Herrick Park Field. This will be matched by $102,000 from the town.
• Bridgewater: $232,000 in state funding is approved for the replacement of the Burnham Library roof. This will be matched by $58,000 from the town.
• Brookfield: $489,000 in state funding is approved for town hall campus renovations. This will be matched by $100,000 from the town.
• Brooklyn: $250,000 in state funding is approved for reconstruction of Church Street. This will be matched by $20,000 from the town.
• Canton: $374,485 in state funding is approved for treatment plant capacity improvements. This will be matched by $93,620 from the town.
• Cheshire: $500,000 in state funding is approved for Cheshire Community Pool enhancements. This will be matched by $364,303 from the town.
• Clinton: $500,000 in state funding is approved for fire department radio replacements. This will be matched by $576,000 from the town.
• Colebrook: $418,479.50 in state funding is approved for roads and parking lot reconstruction. This will be matched by $104,619 from the town.
• Coventry: $315,000 in state funding is approved for improvements at Patriots Park. This will be matched by $30,000 in town funds and an additional $5,000 in other funding.
• East Granby: $500,000 in state funding is approved for upgrades at East Granby Farms Recreation Area. This will be matched by $360,000 in town funds.
• East Lyme: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Plants Dam. This will be matched by $137,900 in town funds.
• Eastford: $156,616 in state funding is approved for the town parking lots and playground resurfacing and paving. This will be matched by $39,154 in town funds.
• Essex: $444,000 in state funding is approved for Ferry Street improvements. This will be matched by $111,000 in town funds.
• Farmington: $500,000 in state funding is approved to install sidewalks on Meadow Road. This will be matched by $534,832 in town funds.
• Glastonbury: $500,000 in state funding is approved to construct new parking areas to support up to 70 units of affordable housing on Nye Road. This will be matched by $295,700 in town funds.
• Goshen: $500,000 in state funding is approved for a new public works facility. This will be matched by $500,000 in town funds.
• Granby: $126,8000 in state funding is approved for senior center kitchen renovations. This will be matched by $9,680 in town funds and $30,000 in additional funding.
• Harwinton: $464,000 in state funding is approved for sewer collection system rehabilitation. This will be matched by $96,000 in town funds.
• Hebron: $474,000 in state funding is approved for the Hebron Green pedestrian connection and parking improvement. This will be matched by $80,000 in town funds.
• Litchfield: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of East Litchfield Road. This will be matched by $771,784 in town funds.
• Lyme: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the Lymes’ Senior Center renovations and expansion. This will be matched by $937,731 in town funds. Project is a regional shared service with the town of Old Lyme.
• Madison: $401,600 in state funding is approved for the town campus gym floor replacement. This will be matched by $100,400 in town funds.
• Marlborough: $262,000 in state funding is approved for the Blish Memorial Park Boat Ramp reconstruction and ADA improvements. This will be matched by $256,839 in town funds.
• Monroe: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the upgrades and expansion of the animal control facility. This will be matched by $384,083 in town funds.
• Morris: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the John Weik Bridge reconstruction. This will be matched by $200,000 in town funds.
• New Fairfield: $475,272 in state funding is approved for upgrades to the town green. This will be matched by $413,117 in town funds.
• Newington: $240,000 in state funding is approved for the Mill Pond Falls pedestrian bridge replacement. This will be matched by $60,000 in town funds.
• North Haven: $427,512 in state funding is approved for a new fire department apparatus garage. This will be matched by $106,879 in town funds.
• North Stonington: $380,922 in state funding is approved for town building and athletic field improvements. This will be matched by $95,231 in town funds.
• Old Lyme: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the Lymes’ Senior Center renovations and expansion. This will be matched by $2,813,193 in town funds. Project is a regional shared service with the town of Lyme.
• Old Saybrook: $500,000 in state funding is approved for fire department radio upgrades. This will be matched by $85,878 in town funds.
• Plainfield: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the construction of a community pavilion. This will be matched by $500,000 in town funds and $49,473 in additional funding.
• Plymouth: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the road improvements. This will be matched by $498,724 in town funds and $501,276 in additional funds.
• Portland: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the replacement of the High Street water main. This will be matched by $100,000 in town funds and $1,200,000 in additional funds.
• Ridgefield: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the replacement of the Mountain Road culvert. This will be matched by $266,100 in town funds.
• Roxbury: $250,000 in state funding is approved for the removal of two underground storage tanks and new tank installation. This will be matched by $50,000 in town funds.
• Salem: $198,560 in state funding is approved for town hall upgrades. This will be matched by $49,700 in town funds.
• Seymour: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the HVAC upgrades at the community center. This will be matched by $242,604 in town funds.
• Shelton: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the upgrades to sports fields. This will be matched by $523,100 in town funds.
• Sherman: $240,000 in state funding is approved for new recreational facilities. This will be matched by $48,000 in town funds.
• Somers: $152,729 in state funding is approved to replace the fire department roof. This will be matched by $38,182 in town funds.
• Southbury: $276,412 in state funding is approved for reconstruction and safety improvements at the transfer station. This will be matched by $70,000 in town funds.
• Southington: $500,000 in state funding is approved for athletic field reconstruction. This will be matched by $206,663 in town funds.
• Stafford: $209,274 in state funding is approved for the replacement and paving of the community center parking lot and lower parking area at the Kealy Complex. This will be matched by $10,000 in town funds and $21,228 in additional funding.
• Stonington: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the Mystic River Boathouse Park project. This will be matched by $2,200,000 in town funds and $753,889 in additional funding.
• Thompson: $500,000 in state funding is approved for Thompson schools track and athletic field reconstruction. This will be matched by $1,046,166 in town funding.
• Tolland: $332,000 in state funding is approved for upgrades at Heron Cove Park. This will be matched by $83,000 in town funds.
• Union: $400,000 in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of Webster Road. This will be matched by $70,850 in town funds.
• Voluntown: $424,000 in state funding is approved for the Gate Street Playground. This will be matched by $106,000 in town funds.
• Warren: $51,873 in state funding is approved to repair the Warren Public Library. This will be matched by $15,000 in town funds.
• Watertown: $500,000 in state funding is approved for renovations at the highway garage. This will be matched by $100,000 in town funds.
• Weston: $438,240 in state funding is approved for roof repairs and solar panel installation at the Department of Public Works garage. This will be matched by $109,560 in town funds.
• Westport: $500,000 in state funding is approved for sidewalks along Cross Highway. This will be matched by $411,000 in town funds.
• Wilton: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the police department storage facility. This will be matched by $150,838 in town funds.
• Winchester: $250,000 in state funding is approved for the renovation of the community resource center.
• Woodbridge: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the fire department training and storage facility. This will be matched by $180,000 in town funds and $160,000 in additional funds.

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09/20/2023

Governor Lamont Announces Launch of CTParks.com: A Cutting-Edge Website Showcasing Connecticut State Parks

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of CTParks.com, the new official website for Connecticut State Parks. The website offers visitors with an innovative online platform showcasing Connecticut State Parks in a more exciting, user-friendly way to help them engage with, learn about, and access state parks and the areas around them.

Connecticut has enjoyed a remarkable surge in outdoor recreation in recent years, initially spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing in line with a nationwide shift toward healthier lifestyles, increased environmental awareness, and a desire for outdoor experiences. From hiking and camping to biking and fishing, Americans increasingly are investing their time and money in outdoor activities and creating substantial economic benefits. This new CTParks.com website was funded through an American Rescue Plan Act grant via the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

“Connecticut State Parks are a huge part of our state’s quality of life and a big reason why people are choosing to move to Connecticut, and we want to make sure people have all of the information they need to visit them,” Governor Lamont said. “These beautiful places, which offer residents and visitors an unparalleled recreation experience and provide significant economic benefits to our cities and towns, deserve a website befitting their value. CTParks.com is the latest way we’re helping to connect residents with their Connecticut State Parks.”

Connecticut is home to a magnificent array of state parks, cherished for their natural beauty and diverse recreational offerings. With 142 state parks and forests, and a network of more than 2,500 miles of scenic trails, these stunning natural landscapes offer something for everyone. Connecticut State Parks continue to rank among the top regional tourist destinations and play a significant role in the state’s tourism sector and local economy. Last year, the state welcomed a staggering 17 million visitors to Connecticut State Parks. People outside of Connecticut are taking notice too – earlier this year, a travel blog designated Connecticut the best state in the country for hiking.

The Connecticut State Parks system is administered and maintained by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

“Connecticut residents have been discovering and re-discovering their state parks over the last several years, unlocking the physical and mental health benefits outdoor recreation provides,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Restoring and providing access to our state parks has been a priority of the Lamont administration, and we’re proud to continue to showcase our state’s tremendous natural resources. We hope you’ll enjoy using this new website to learn about the different state parks, find a hiking trail, and even find out about other great things to do in the area. The new ‘While You Are Here’ sections can point you to a great restaurant, shop, or attraction after spending a few hours in the outdoors.”

DEEP worked closely with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to develop the website, recognizing the value of Connecticut State Parks as an important tourism asset.

“Our state parks are an amazing asset that greatly contribute to Connecticut’s unmatched quality of life,” DECD Commissioner Alexandra Daum said. “They also attract millions of visitors whose spending helps drive economic development in our towns and cities. This website is an important new tool to educate out-of-state tourists and residents alike on what our amazing parks have to offer. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s work on state parks is invaluable and I’m glad we could partner with them on this project to show people across the world more of what makes our state a great place to visit and call home.”

CTParks.com offers several exciting features and advancements to enhance visitor experiences and spotlight the splendor and diversity of our state parks system. Among the highlights of this dynamic website are:

• ParkFinder Tool: Equipped with a user-friendly ParkFinder Tool, visitors can effortlessly discover the perfect state park based on their interests or location. Geo-location technology is seamlessly integrated, enabling users to identify nearby parks based on their current location and filter their search to parks based on their plans for the day or what they are looking to do.
• Dynamic Park Listings: Each state park enjoys a dedicated dynamic listing page that extensively promotes available activities, events, photography, social media content, and more. These listings provide comprehensive insights into the unique offerings of each park.
• “While You’re Here” Functionality: Visitors are offered an array of options to extend their stay by exploring nearby restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions. This feature seamlessly integrates information from CTVisit.com, the state’s official tourism website, providing a comprehensive and constantly updated guide for a trip beyond the park.
• Event Awareness: The new website features an advanced event management system that not only highlights ongoing activities within the parks but also showcases upcoming events, further encouraging visitation and park engagement.
• User-Generated Content: The website harnesses Instagram content, shared by actual visitors to Connecticut State Parks. This user-generated content authentically represents our parks and the unique experiences they offer.
• Content Organization: The website is thoughtfully structured around core activities and interests, illuminating facets of state parks of which visitors may not have been aware. This intuitive design provides streamlined access to parks that cater to specific activities, simplifying the process of finding the ideal park to match individual interests.
• Video-Rich Experience: Site visitors can enjoy a video-rich environment that showcases a curated selection of more than 20 state park feature videos. These immersive visuals provide a captivating introduction to the natural wonders and recreational opportunities found within Connecticut State Parks and offer a glimpse to visitors of what to expect before they get there.
• Multi-Language Support: In line with the state’s focus on inclusivity, the website offers multi-language support to ensure that Spanish-speaking visitors can enjoy a translated experience.
• ADA Compliance: Ensuring accessibility for all, the website is ADA compliant, featuring essential tools, readers, and navigational support to assist visitors with unique accessibility needs, ensuring that everyone can access information.

For more information and to explore the new Connecticut State Parks website, visit CTParks.com.

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08/09/2023

Governor Lamont Announces Purchase of 60 New Rail Cars To Modernize Commuter Rail Lines

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is purchasing 60 new rail cars that will be used on the state’s commuter rail lines as part of its ongoing rail car-renewal program.

CTDOT has entered into a contract with Alstom for the single-level rail coach cars, which are valued at $315 million. Delivery of the first cars is expected in 2026. The cars will be prioritized for use on the Hartford Line, as well as the branches of the New Haven Line.

“Having a modernized transit system with safe, comfortable, and convenient access to work, home, and fun is essential to attracting the kind of businesses and workforce talent we need to grow good-paying jobs and remain economically competitive,” Governor Lamont said. “Connecticut is the home of the busiest rail line in the nation, and the purchase of these new rail cars continues our efforts to deliver better and more reliable service for commuters.”

The agreement calls for the delivery of 60 fully customized, sustainable, next-generation commuter rail cars, providing customers with safe and comfortable service. The rail cars will have a spacious two-by-two seating configuration and easy access for passengers using mobility aids. The new rail cars will enhance the customer experience with convenient overhead luggage racks, foldable workstation tables, and a bicycle storage area.

There will also be a reliable Wi-Fi connection, real-time information displays, and conveniently located power outlets and USB ports. Additionally, customers will enjoy panoramic balcony-style windows, allowing for the flow of natural sunlight through the car’s interior, giving riders great site views.

“The CTDOT Office of Rail is working hard to upgrade the trip for rail customers across Connecticut,” Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “We know they want more comfortable seats, Wi-Fi access, bike storage, and ADA accessibility, and we’re taking action on those needs with steps like this. We’re pleased to partner with Alstom on the order of this next generation of rail cars. This order is part of our ongoing capital program to purchase new rail cars and improve the customer experience.”

“We are proud to be a part of this exciting new chapter for CTDOT and the people of Connecticut,” Michael Keroullé, president of Alstom Americas, said. “We look forward to further building upon our relationship with CTDOT by providing extensive expertise ranging from passenger ergonomics, experience, and comfort to operational considerations and optimized maintenance practices for years to come.”

Each stainless steel 85-foot-long rail car will be designed for continuous operation of up to 24 hours and 1,200 miles daily and will have at least a 40-year design life. The rail car is based on the Adessia rail car produced by Alstom. It will be custom designed to meet Federal Railroad Administration requirements and tailored for CTDOT. The final design will ultimately be a unique rail car specific for Connecticut riders.

The order of 60 new rail cars follows a recent order of six new dual-mode locomotives, as the state’s rail equipment continues to be upgraded. Dual-mode locomotives can be powered through an electric supply or onboard diesel engine, which improves reliability, and the equipment can operate in electric mode, which reduces emissions.

The agreement with Alstom includes future options for additional rail cars for passenger rail service in Connecticut.

For more information on the CTDOT Customer Experience Action Plan, visit transitcx.com.

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