Millions in Funding for Groton, New London & Stonington, Homebuyer Program Reopens

October 25, 2024

Dear Neighbor,

I am proud to include great news about millions in funding coming to the area for projects in Groton, New London, and Stonington. Overall, Connecticut has been quite responsive to Early Voting, which began in the state for the first time on Monday and will continue through November 3rd. The State Bond Commission approved $40 million in state funding that will be used to reopen the Time To Own homebuyer assistance program for low and moderate income residents looking to buy their first home. Parks around the state will be getting a financial boost as well. There's a lot to read in this week's newsletter. Topics include:

Out N' About in the 41st district
Funding for Groton, New London & Stonington
Time To Own Program Reopens
Early Voting is Underway in CT
Get Free Help with Health Care Insurance
State Parks Getting Financial Boost
CT Transportation News
Lot's Going on with Groton Parks 7 Rec in October
Reminder: CHET Dream Big Competition is On
40 Things to do in Connecticut in October
Remembering Robert Sharkevich Sr.
Coffee Hour on Saturday November 2nd
Community Events and Notices

Have a great weekend,
Aundré

OUT N' ABOUT IN THE 41ST DISTRICT

Please click on the video below.

I had the privilege of participating in a fantastic student-led discussion at Fitch High School alongside Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Heather Somers, and Councilor Dan Gaiewski this week. It was such an engaging experience to interact with over 200 students from AP Government, Civics, and the IB Diploma Program. The students brought great energy and thoughtful questions on topics ranging from federal power to state jurisdiction, and I was inspired by their enthusiasm and knowledge of government.

It was a powerful conversation about the importance of civic engagement, and it was truly exciting to see our next generation of leaders so involved in the conversation. These young minds are our future, and their passion for learning gives me great confidence in what’s to come!

Thank you Governor for spending the day in Groton with our amazing students!

I had the honor of attending the ceremonial ribbon-cutting at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, celebrating the completion of the cutting-edge microgrid project. This initiative enhances energy resilience at the base, enabling it to seamlessly disconnect from the public grid during interruptions and maintain support for mission-critical operations.

It was especially meaningful to see Rear Admiral Carl Lahti, who spearheaded this project during his time as the base’s commanding officer. Admiral Lahti served in this role during my first term in the legislature, and it was wonderful to reconnect, especially since I went to elementary school with his son.

The microgrid at SUBASE NLON is an advanced energy system that integrates distributed energy resources, such as local power generation. It is designed to operate both in connection with the main grid and independently during outages. The system leverages automated data gathering and peak demand control to ensure smooth transitions between the public utility grid and on-site power generation, boosting both security and efficiency.

In the context of climate resilience and national security, this microgrid is a critical advancement. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent due to climate change, ensuring reliable power for military bases like SUBASE NLON is essential for maintaining national defense capabilities. The infrastructure allows the base to continue operations during grid failures caused by natural disasters or other disruptions, protecting both naval operations and the surrounding community. This collaboration between state and federal leaders emphasizes the integration of climate resilience into our national security strategies.

This decade-long effort brought together state leaders, our federal delegation, two Governors, DEEP, the Office of Military Affairs, Groton Utilities, CMEEC, the U.S. Navy, and many community partners. Our state budget, which I voted for, allocated $5 million in funding to reimburse microgrid design and construction costs. It was a true homecoming as we celebrated this milestone in energy resilience and renewable energy independence!

I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the Groton Open Space Association’s annual meeting. I highlighted the advocacy work GOSA does in our community and reflected on several ways I’ve partnered with them, first as a Groton Town Councilor and now as your State Representative.

We also took a moment to commemorate my dear friend, the late Zell Steever, whose local leadership is deeply missed but will continue to inspire us as we carry forward his legacy to protect our outdoors.

A special thanks to Joan Smith and Sydney Van Zandt for their dedication. Shout out to outgoing President Dan O’Connell and congratulations to incoming President Betsy Chittenden! I’m excited to work together to conserve open space and be your voice in Hartford.

Thank you, Comptroller Scanlon, First Selectman Chesebrough, and State Representative Bumgardner for inviting us to join you this afternoon on your business walk throughout Stonington Borough! We were pleased to visit small businesses and help share the power of MyCTSavings.
Stops:

Cove Ledge Liquors
Ship Shape Shop
James Merrill House
Stonington Consign to Design
Carolyn Yost Estate Jewelry & Stonington Antiques Etc.

Those seeking a free retirement program to offer employees are highly encouraged to learn more on the state's pages. The Chamber will also host a webinar on November 6 open for all to attend. Register today on ChamberECT.com.

Celebrated Milestone Mystic’s first anniversary with a packed house! As Peter, owner of Milestone shared, it’s truly a space for our community and beyond to come together and celebrate life’s special “milestones”. Congratulations to Peter, Andi and their amazing team. Be sure to stop by and try their wings and chili—you won’t be disappointed!

FUNDING FOR GROTON, NEW LONDON & STONINGTON

STATE REPRESENTATIVES CHRISTINE CONLEY, ANTHONY NOLAN, AUNDRÉ BUMGARDNER CELEBRATE MILLIONS FOR NEW LONDON, GROTON, MYSTIC

Funds will go toward Gold Star Bridge rehabilitation, housing, and more

NEW LONDON, CT - State Representatives Christine Conley (D-Groton, New London), Anthony Nolan (D-New London), and Aundré Bumgardner (D-Groton, Stonington) celebrated the State Bonding Commission’s approval of millions of dollars for various projects in New London, Groton, and Mystic.

The following projects were approved:

•$35,937,308 for Gold Star Bridge rehabilitation on I-95 Groton/New London
•$250,000 for the City of New London for the planning for the redevelopment of Gordon Court senior housing
•$250,000 for the Southeastern Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, Inc. for planning a community for individuals in recovery on Coit and Reed Streets in New London
•$500,000 for the Mystic Aquarium for the replacement of a chiller

“I’m so proud of the work my colleagues and I did in securing these funds,” Rep. Conley said. “Part of this funding provides much-needed rehabilitation to our Gold Star Bridge, which carries over 60,000 vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians every day. The Gold Star Bridge is an essential part of our community, and this support will provide everyone the assurance that the bridge is safer and stronger. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bonding Commission for their approval of these funds.”

“By supporting our most vulnerable through funding for senior housing and services for those recovering from addiction, all residents of New London will see major benefits that will uplift our community,” Rep. Nolan said. “Thank you to my legislative colleagues for coming together for our community, and to Governor Lamont and the State Bonding Commission for their continued support of our great city.”

“As a member of the Finance, Revenue, & Bonding Committee’s General Obligation Bonding Subcommittee, I’m proud to have played an active role in securing $500,000 for the Mystic Aquarium’s chiller replacement, which is essential for the care of marine animals like the iconic beluga whales,” Rep. Bumgardner said. “This critical infrastructure funding is a win for our community, ensuring the aquarium can continue its vital work in conservation and marine education while supporting the local economy.”

Rep. Conley represents the 40th District, which includes Groton and New London. Rep. Nolan represents the 39th District, which includes New London. Rep. Bumgardner represents the 41st District, which includes Groton and Stonington.

TIME TO OWN PROGRAM REOPENS

Great news for low and moderate-income homebuyers in Connecticut!

This week, the State Bond Commission approved $40 million in state funding that will be used to reopen the popular

Time To Own program to a new round of applicants.

Time To Own has helped thousands of people buy their first homes since launching in 2022. The program provides forgivable loans for down payments and closing costs and has enabled individuals and families to achieve the dream of homeownership, fostering long-term financial stability and contributing to stronger communities.

To date, Time To Own has helped more than 4,800 homebuyers in 149 towns buy their first homes, more than half of whom are people of color. With the new funding allocation, Connecticut has invested $195 million in the program.

For more information on eligibility, additional considerations, and how to apply, please click HERE.

EARLY VOTING IS UNDERWAY IN CT

You may be aware of an issue in Stonington, where a small number of residents received incorrect ballots, and I understand that the problem has been addressed to prevent further distribution of incorrect ballots. I trust our election officials to uphold the integrity of the process and do their jobs correctly.

Early voting in Connecticut is open until November 3rd for the November 5th election. In Groton, the polling location is the Community Center Classroom, Registrar of Voters Office, 61 Fort Hill Road, and for Stonington residents, it's the Police Department, Community Room, 173 South Broad Street, Pawcatuck. For more details and information about early voting please click HERE. You may or may not be aware of an issue involving

GET FREE HELP WITH HEALTH CARE INSURANCE

Connecticut has a free resource in the Office of Health Advocate (OHA), an independent state agency available to help everyone understand, navigate, and resolve healthcare insurance plan decisions on coverage, billing, denials of services and claims, and other healthcare-related issues.

The OHA also helps if you believe an insurance company wrongly denies a procedure. Kathy Holt, the Acting Healthcare Advocate, recently shared a couple of encouraging stories. The first involves an insurance company that denied a woman’s prior authorization for a medically necessary outpatient procedure to treat varicose veins. The OHA intervened, and the insurance company approved the procedure, saving that woman $3,667.

The second story involves a person who unsuccessfully tried to get coverage for a year-and-a-half for specialized glasses she needed to see after recovering from a stroke. The OHA team obtained a one-time exception from the insurance company saving that person $3,600.

If you need assistance with health care insurance, contact the Office of Health Advocate at (866) 466-4446 or (860) 331-2440 or

send an email here. The OHA may provide relief from your insurance confusion.

STATE PARKS GETTING FINANCIAL BOOST

Governor Lamont has announced that $30 million in state bonding will go toward improving our state parks and forests. The funding will support much-needed infrastructure repairs and renovations across Connecticut’s 110 state parks and 32 state forests, ensuring a better experience for everyone who wants to spend time in the great outdoors.

$3 million of that investment will fund urgent repairs at state parks that were damaged in historic floods in August. The storm caused significant damage to:

Larkin Trail State Park (Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Southbury),
Kettletown State Park (Southbury),
Southford Falls State Park (Southbury)
Other outdoor recreational areas

This funding supports the Restore CT State Parks initiative, which is a historic effort by the Lamont administration and the state legislature to address the backlog of needed repairs. Since 2022, the state has committed more than $70 million to the American Rescue Plan Act and state bond funds to support investment in outdoor recreation.

Click here for a list of projects in our state parks system

Improving our parks and forests will benefit everyone in the state. Access to parks promotes physical fitness by hiking, biking, jogging, and more. Being outside also helps our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, parks provide recreational spaces where families can come together. Ultimately, this investment will increase the quality of life while preserving Connecticut’s natural beauty.

CT TRANSPORTATION NEWS

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.

The CTDOT is developing their statewide Active Transportation Plan and recently shared with us that they have a survey open to the public focusing on how we walk, bike, and roll in our communities, with a focus on state roads. Survey participation has been historically low in Southeastern Connecticut so please feel free to share this survey with your networks and take it yourselves. Please click on the image below to take the survey.

CTDOT seeking public comment on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Section 504 Transportation Plan

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Section 504 Transition Plan to showcase the agency’s commitment to providing an accessible transportation network for all while meeting federal ADA requirements.

CTDOT will be conducting public outreach both in-person and virtually. These events will offer opportunities for the public to provide input on the ADA Transition Plan. Meeting materials and any updates to outreach locations/dates/times will be updated on the CTDOT ADA Transition Plan website.

For more information, including in-person and virtual events, please click HERE.

The CTDOT is developing a Resilience Improvement Plan (RIP) to help identify climate-related vulnerabilities and prioritize solutions across the agency’s multi-modal transportation network.

The RIP uses federal formula funds allocated for resilience-related planning activities under the

Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) program created under the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA).

By developing the RIP and incorporating it into the state’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, Connecticut will be eligible to reduce its federal/state cost share on transportation projects. The process also prepares the state for the continued operation and rapid recovery of surface transportation systems affected by major weather events, including natural disasters and changing climate conditions.

The plan will be conducted in two phases. Phase one will conduct a risk-based vulnerability assessment that draws on existing and future climate data to rank the vulnerability of state-owned assets. In the second phase, CTDOT will develop an implementation plan identifying potential projects, timelines, and cost estimates.

A survey is open to the public to provide feedback on what types of projects CTDOT should consider to improve resiliency across the state. To complete the survey, please click

HERE.

For additional information, including a video overview of Connecticut’s statewide Resilience Improvement Plan, please click

HERE.

LOT'S GOING ON WITH GROTON PARKS & REC IN OCTOBER

A lot is going on with Groton City Parks & Rec. this month. Check it out!

CPR AED for Adults
Saturday, October 26th, 10 am - 12:30 pm at the Municipal Bldg.

Halloween Themed Movie Night - Hocus Pocus 2
Friday, October 25th, Smores start at 5:45 pm, Movie at 6:15 pm

SPOOKTOBERFEST - October 26 & 27 from 12-8
Groton Halloween Food Truck Festival at Washington Park

AND SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE UPCOMING NOVEMBER CLASSES

Team PUZZLE Challenge!
Friday, November 8th. The start time is 6:30 pm at the City Municipal Building.
Each team gets the same 300-piece puzzle to complete within 2 hours. Can your team finish first?

Your team will keep the custom Eastern Point Beach Puzzle! Prize for the fastest team. (Teams are 4 people max)

CPR AED for Youth ages 13-18
Saturday, November 9th, 10 am - 12:30 pm at the Municipal Bldg.

Make Chai Tea Workshop
Monday, November 11th from 3-4 at the Zbierski House

Melt & Pour Soap Making Workshop
Friday, November 15th, 6-8 pm at the Municipal Bldg.

Karate for Youth ages 5-12
Starts on Tuesday, November 19th at Thames River Magnet School

Register Online

HERE.

REMINDER: CHET DREAM BIG! COMPETITION IS ON

I just wanted to remind you again about this awesome opportunity for students in grades K through 12 to enter and win up to $20,000 toward their future education!

To enter, students answer a question through artwork, an essay, or a video. Younger students focus on what they want to do when they grow up, and older students are asked to describe a lesson they’ve learned or a person who has impacted their lives.

The competition is open to all Connecticut K-12 students, and every child has the chance to participate. Please take a moment to visit the website to learn more, and then encourage your child to take part. More than 250 students will receive monetary prizes to be deposited into a CHET account. For more details, please click

HERE.

40 THINGS TO DO IN CONNECTICUT IN OCTOBER

Looking for something to do in Connecticut this month? Whether you want something active or relaxing, cultural or nature-oriented, historic or trendy, Connecticut's got you covered. Please see some highlights for October by clicking on the image below.

REMEMBERING ROBERT SHARKEVICH SR.

I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the Wethersfield Fire Department and the family of Firefighter Robert Sharkevich Sr., who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Flags have been directed to half-staff on Wednesday in his honor.