Maria Horn

Here’s a list of today’s topics: 

• DOT Update. Click here.
• New Incentive Levels for CHEAPR. Click here.
• NCLC Receives State Funding. Click here.
• Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Awards. Click here.
• WBDC Small Business Grants. Click here.
• Banning Wake Activities on Lake Waramaug. Click here.
• Northwest Corner Events. Click here. 

The Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) provides an incentive for the car-buying public to help offset the higher purchase price of an EV or plug in hybrid as compared to a gas-powered car.

Starting today, August 1, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reducing the standard incentive level for new battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to $500. The standard incentive is available to all CT residents seeking to purchase an EV or plug in hybrid with an MSRP at or below $50,000. The Rebate+ incentives, which provide additional incentives for prequalified low- and moderate-income families to consider a new or used electric vehicle, will remain at the increased levels announced earlier this year.   

CHEAPR incentives will be as follows:  

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  • The Standard Rebate for EVs will be reduced from $1,500 to $500. 
  • The Rebate+ incentive for a new EV will remain at $3,000. 
  • The Rebate+ incentive for a used EV will remain at $5,000.  

You can find more information on the CHEAPR program here: http://www.DriveCHEAPR.org

CT DEEP’s Division of Forestry announced  the 2024 Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Awards. This program allows for a 50% reimbursement of projects with a maximum grant award of $2,500.  Funds can be used by eligible Fire Departments for training, water handling equipment, communications, prevention projects, safety supplies, suppression gear and other related items. Two towns in our district received a grant:

• Canaan Fire Co., $2,500.00, North Canaan. Project: Backpack pumps and hose
• Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department Inc., $2,484.00, Norfolk. Project: LDH tools, adapters, appliances, strainers

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.

The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs from August 5 through September 16, 2025. You can find additional information on Ignite here.   
 
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from August 1 through August 31, 2025. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
 
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here. 

Voters in the towns of Kent, Washington, and Warren approved an ordinance to ban wake boat activities on Lake Waramaug at a referendum Thursday, by a vote of 1452 in favor and 421 opposed.  With the approval of the referendums by the towns, the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) will now conduct a review of the ordinance.  Once that is completed, the ordinance should take effect 14 days after DEEP approval.