Fire Prevention Week, New Waterfront Project in Norwalk, and More!

October 11, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you had a good week. 

Please read below for information on a new waterfront project in Norwalk, a public information meeting about a bridge in Westport, and more! 
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month  

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month,  honoring  the strength of survivors, supporting those currently fighting, and remembering those we’ve lost. As your representative, I’m committed to advocating for access to early detection, treatment, research funding, and community support for those fighting breast cancer. 
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month 
October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Everyone deserves to feel safe.
 
In Connecticut, we’ve made strides to protect survivors of domestic violence by passing critical legislation that strengthens protections and expands resources. When you’re escaping an abusive relationship, every day counts. 

From enhanced restraining orders to our state’s Red Flag Law, we’re ensuring that every survivor has the help they need to stay safe.
 
I will always stand with domestic violence survivors and work to build a future free from abuse. You are not alone. 
 
 
Need to connect to an advocate?
Call, Text, Chat. Email. 24/7
CTSafeConnect.org  |  (888) 774-2900
Waterfront Park Announcement 

Last week, I joined a group of Norwalk officials and Governor Lamont who came together  to announce the future plans of Manresa Island. Austin and Allison McChord have pledged to create a publicly accessible waterfront park on the former home of the decommissioned power plant. Once completed, the area will have a green space, walking trails with beach access and more! I am thrilled that this space will be transformed into a place that can be utilized by all residents. 

Click here to read an article about the project. 
 FEMA Authorizes Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program for Flood Victims
FEMA has authorized the Connecticut Department of Labor to launch federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those residents who experienced job interruption or loss due to the August 2024 flooding.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is a federal program that supports workers whose employment was lost or interrupted by a major disaster and who are not eligible for regular state unemployment insurance benefits. DUA covers workers, some residents who are self-employed, and the surviving spouses of heads of household who died due to the storm.

Eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance includes:

  • Residents who live, work, or travel to work through impacted areas—Fairfield County, Litchfield County, or New Haven County.
  • Individuals who were to start work or self-employment but were prevented from doing so due to the flooding.
  • Workers who experienced unemployment or reduced hours due to:
    • Flooding to their place of business;
    • Road or other closures; 
    • Lack of work because the business depends on a non-operational entity within the affected area; or
    • Experienced injury caused directly by the storm.

Please note: the filing deadline for Connecticut Disaster Unemployment Assistance is December 9, 2024.

Click here to learn more. 
Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week is October 6 through October 12 and is celebrated throughout North America. Fire Prevention Week is a great opportunity to learn about fire safety, the danger of home fires and how to minimize them.

The best way to protect yourself is to make sure you have smoke alarms that are working properly: 

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
  • Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old or don’t respond when tested.

Click here for more tips on fire prevention. 
Public Information Meeting on Safety and Operational Improvements to  Bridge in Westport 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct a virtual public information meeting concerning safety and operational improvements to the Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge in Westport on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

This virtual meeting is being held to provide the public the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. A Q&A session will immediately follow the presentation, which will be recorded. Registration is required, please refer to the project webpage for more information portal.ct.gov/DOTWestport0301-0563.

Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (877) 853-5257 and enter Meeting ID 882 0064 5533. 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 D.Jay.Young@ct.gov or (860) 594-2881.

This meeting will also be livestreamed 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.
 
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative
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