Aundré Bumgardner

Dear Neighbor,

We're going to have some great weather over the next couple of days. As you know, the 41st district is a wonderful place to be all the time - but around this time this year, it is second to none.. 

This time of year also allows time to meet with you to discuss the results of the 2025 legislative session. I will be a part of two opportunities to meet with you in the coming days, including my monthly coffee hour at the Ditty Bag in Mystic on Saturday.

On Tuesday, I will be joining fellow lawmakers at an end-of-session Town Hall at Thrive 55 in Groton. 

I look forward to seeing you at one or both events. Onto this week's newsletter:

Topics include:

• Around and About the 41st
• Join me for Coffee @ The Ditty Bag Tomorrow
• Groton End of Session Town Hall on Tuesday
• CT Department of Transportation News
• Veterans Resources & Updates
• Community Events And Notices

Do not hesitate to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.

Sincerely,

Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative


 

In-Person Public Information Meeting on Replacement of Bridge in Stonington Slated for July 31st

An in-person public information meeting concerning the replacement of Bridge No. 03906 carrying Alpha Avenue over the Amtrak rail line and local roads in Stonington will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Stonington High School at 176 S Broad Street in Pawcatuck at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting facility is ADA accessible. The meeting will be broadcast on the Southeastern Connecticut Television station and uploaded to the town’s YouTube channel. The recording will also be posted following the meeting in CTDOT’s public meeting playlist HERE. 

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. A question and answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation. For additional information, please click HERE.

Right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements may include partial or full acquisitions and easements.

Construction is anticipated to begin by 2028 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way, and approval of permit(s). The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $48 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80% federal funds, $1 million from the town of Stonington, and the remaining balance coming from state funds. 

Individuals with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Individuals may also request that project information be mailed to them within one week by contacting Francisco Fadul at Francisco.Fadul@ct.gov or (860) 594-2078.

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 before the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance. 

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 Thursday, August 14, 2025, to DOTProject0137-0164@ct.gov, or (860) 594-2020, or Francisco Fadul at Francisco.Fadul@ct.gov, or (860) 594-2078. Please reference Project No. 0137-0164 in the email or voicemail.

Temporary Signalization on Route 215 in Groton

A temporary signal was implemented on Route 215 in Groton on Monday, June 9th. It will be de-energized in November 2025. Project No. 0058-0338 consists of replacing the culvert headwalls and relining the existing culvert pipe under Route 215 at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove.

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO

There will be continuous single-lane closure on Route 215 from June 9 to November 2025. Traffic control signing, temporary pavement markings, and the temporary signal will guide motorists through the work zone in an alternating one-way manner.

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.

Culvert Replacement on Route 215 in Groton

A culvert replacement at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove will be performed on Route 215 in Groton. Minor construction and utility work have already commenced.

This project is scheduled to typically occur on Mondays through Fridays with anticipated completion on November 22, 2025.

The project will address the deterioration of the existing headwalls and the separation of the culvert sections spanning Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove on Route 215 in Groton, Connecticut. The project is scheduled to be completed on November 22, 2025.

• Your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is critical for accessing VA benefits. Here’s how to obtain a copy:
• Check with your Town Clerk – Many Veterans file their DD 214 with their local town clerk.
• Contact CT Veterans Affairs – They have an archive of 130,000 DD 214s. Email oaa.dva@ct.gov for assistance.
• Submit a Request to the National Archives – The fastest way is online: Request Here
• If Needed for Burial or Military Honors – Funeral directors have priority retrieval access.

• Groton – 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
• Groton Public Library – 52 Newtown Road
• Mystic – 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
• Mystic Congregational Church – 43 East Main Street
• Pawcatuck – 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
• Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center – 27 Chase Street

For more locations and information, contact:
Gina King, Director, Senior Volunteer Services
gking@tvcca.org |  860-425-6617

If you have any issues, concerns, or ideas related to Veteran services, military families, or legislative priorities, please feel free to reach out to my office. Your service and sacrifices deserve to be honored with the best support possible.