Fire Danger in CT, Groton to Begin Energy Efficiency Campaign, CT Transportation News

November 15, 2024

Dear Neighbor,

We are in mid-November and warm temperatures, particularly for this time of year, are ahead of us for the next few days. That's a bit concerning given the fact a burn ban is still in effect throughout Connecticut. I expand on it below. An energy efficiency campaign is getting underway in Groton next week. I've included the details. The Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (CEEJAC) Energy & Technology Subcommittee is holding a public meeting next week, where there will be an introductory presentation on what the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) does and more. You can register for the Zoom event below. That's just some of what's included in this week's newsletter. Topics include:

Out n' About in the 41st District
Stage 2 Drought Advisory in CT, Red Flag Warning Through 6 p.m.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Begins Sunday
Groton Set to Begin Energy Efficiency Campaign
CEEJAC Public Meeting November 20th
CT Transportation News
Reminder: Mini-grants to Support Youth Engagement
Let's Honor our Caregivers
Puerto Rican and Native American Heritage Month
Small Business Saturday is November 30th
Community Events and Notices

Have a great weekend,
Aundré

Out N' About in the 41ST District

Veterans Day was on Monday, but I still want to share my thoughts on those we honor. all who have bravely served, including my grandfather, a Navy and Marine Corps Veteran who dedicated his life to our country. His service extended beyond the battlefield, as he cared for the children on base as a pediatrician—a true example of sacrifice, commitment, and compassion. His legacy reminds me daily of the importance of service, and it’s a privilege to continue that spirit in my work for our community.

To all Veterans, thank you for your unwavering dedication and ultimate sacrifice.

On the Saturday morning after election day, we’re right back at it – talking climate action with neighbors. Today, we’re strategizing and collaborating to ensure our policies reflect a commitment to a sustainable future.

Kayla and I attended the Annual Leadership Breakfast at the always breathtaking Ocean House in Watch Hill, where the Ocean Community YMCA recognized three outstanding community leaders who embody its core values: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

It was inspiring to see so many friends and neighbors celebrating this incredible institution and the amazing people who work there. The Naik Family Branch in Mystic holds a special place for us as regular users—and with my wife proudly serving on the board, we see firsthand the impact it has on so many families. Please support the Y Cares program to ensure that every individual and child in our community has access to a healthy lifestyle.

Stage 2 Drought Advisory in CT, Red Flag Warning Through 6 p.m.

With low precipitation and continuous fire danger across the state, a Stage 2 Drought Advisory has been declared for all eight counties in Connecticut. A red flag warning with the risk of brush fires has been issued statewide through 6 p.m. today.

Remember, open burning is banned due to the dangerously dry weather and leaves on the ground. As a reminder, this ban means you cannot use:

outdoor grills
firepits
campfires

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Begins Sunday

Every person deserves food on their plate and a roof over their head. Connecticut is committed to expanding food access, affordable housing, and resources for vulnerable families.

Connecticut Foodshare
End Hunger CT
MyPlaceCT | Emergency Housing
CT Homeless Shelters and Meal Providers
Find government programs that you may qualify for HERE

Groton Set to Begin Energy Efficiency Campaign

The Town of Groton and the City of Groton are joining forces to run an energy efficiency and heat pump campaign called HeatSmart Groton with a kickoff event at the Groton Public Library on November 18th at 7 p.m.! Please see the flyer below for more details.

CEEJAC Public Meeting November 20th

You are invited to attend the upcoming CEEJAC Energy & Technology Subcommittee Meeting on Wednesday, November 20th, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. via Zoom

You can register HERE.

There will be a presentation about the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) by Chair Marissa Gillett followed by a Q&A period. This will be an introductory presentation about what PURA does, relevant dockets to EJ Communities, opportunities for stakeholders to engage, and information about the newly created Stakeholder Group Compensation Program.

PURA ensures that Connecticut's investor-owned utilities—electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications—provide safe, reliable, clean, and affordable services. PURA is a quasi-judicial agency that interprets and applies the statutes and regulations governing all aspects of Connecticut’s utility sector. Among other things, PURA sets the rates charged by investor-owned utilities, advances the modernization of the electric distribution system, oversees natural gas pipeline safety, manages water infrastructure investments, reviews mergers, and provides consumer education.

CT Transportation News

A virtual public information meeting concerning the replacement of the bridge carrying Groton Long Point Road over Palmer Cove in Groton on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

The public information meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. The meeting will take place on Zoom, and registration is required. A question and answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation, which will be recorded. For instructions on accessing the meeting and ways to provide comments and ask questions, please visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTGroton58-344

“This project will replace the existing bridge with a new single-span structure, which will have higher clearance over Palmer Cove, improving access to Groton Long Point and improving safety for motorists,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Project Manager Marc Byrnes “We encourage the public to attend this meeting to share their feedback with the CTDOT project team to incorporate into the design.”

Right-of-way impacts are associated with the proposed improvements. Construction easements and slope easements will be required on both sides of Groton Long Point Road to construct the replacement bridge.

Construction is anticipated to begin winter 2026. The estimated construction cost is approximately $15 million, with 80% federal funds and 20% state funds.

Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (877) 853-5257 and enter Meeting ID 891 6764 0470. Individuals with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Individuals with limited internet access may also request that project information be mailed to them within one week by contacting Michelle.Rame@ct.gov or (860) 594-3319.

Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.

This meeting will also be lives-treamed on the CTDOT YouTube channel; no registration is required. Non-English language closed captioning will be available on Zoom and YouTube. The recording will also be posted immediately following the meeting in the list of CTDOT virtual public meetings at portal.ct.gov/ctdotVPIMarchive.

Members of the public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Please submit comments and questions by Tuesday, December 17 to DOT-FLBP@ct.gov and (860) 594-2020, Michelle.Rame@ct.gov, or (860) 594-3319. Please reference Project No. 0058-0344 in the email or voicemail.

A tree removal operation will be performed on I-95, north and southbound, in Groton and Stonington. This project is scheduled to occur on Sunday evening, November 3, and be completed on Friday morning, December 6, 2024. Work will end at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, and will resume on Monday evening, December 2, 2024, due to the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

To ensure the safety of the public, CTDOT is removing dead, diseased, and decaying trees. Additionally, trees and vegetation that have grown into the clear zone, which is the safety space along the side of the roadway, are also being removed. This work helps save lives in the event of a crash or vehicle leaving the roadway.

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
Motorists can expect left lane and shoulder closures on I-95, north and southbound, in Groton and Stonington from Sunday evening, November 3 to Friday morning, December 6, 2024, during the hours of 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. (Sunday evening – Friday morning). Traffic control signing patterns, crash attenuator vehicles, and one (1) State Trooper will guide motorists through the work zone.

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area. No work will be performed around any scheduled holidays.

Reminder: Mini-grants to Support Youth Engagement

A friendly reminder: Mini-grants are available to support the engagement of youth ages 5-25 in meaningful youth-led service or service-learning projects or programs benefiting the community during the grant term of January 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025.

Eligible applicants include schools, out-of-school time programs (after school or summer), municipalities, agencies, and/or youth-serving organizations. Youth-led groups are welcome to apply with the sponsorship of an eligible applicant listed above.

To qualify for funding, proposed youth-led service initiatives may be new or existing, must prioritize engaging youth that are underrepresented in youth service in our state, and must actively engage youth in the development and implementation of the proposed service project or initiative.

Mini-grant funding requests of up to $8,000 will be considered. Funding may be used to support youth-led service project development and implementation costs and/or to remove barriers to youth participation in youth-led service projects and programs. To learn more please click HERE.

Let's Honor our Caregivers

November is National Family Caregivers Month - a time to honor and support the caregivers who give so much to our families and communities. I'm sharing local resources to help lighten the load, from mental health support to financial assistance programs. Let’s ensure our caregivers get the care they need, too!