Honoring Our Veterans Day & Federal Rail Funding

November 10, 2023


This weekend we are honoring those who have served in the U.S. military for Veterans Day. Our heroes deserve to be recognized for their service to our country. 

The federal government is making a huge investment into the Northeast Corridor's rail lines. This will lead to upgrades to Amtrak, Metro-North, and freight train experiences including more reliable, faster, and safer service. Scroll down to see what to expect in Connecticut.

Good news for anyone struggling to pay for affordable internet. A federal program is allowing some people to save on your bill. Please read below to learn more and see how some applicants may get high-speed internet for free.

Have a great weekend!

 
Federal Rail Funding

Commuters in Stamford are going to benefit from a major investment into our rails. The federal government is providing up to $15.4 million to upgrade the New Haven Line network infrastructure.

The funding will cover project development, final design, and construction to replace and upgrade fiber optic communication cables and network infrastructure at 60 locations along the New Haven Line in Connecticut. The project will benefit Amtrak's intercity passenger rail, Metro-North Railroad's commuter rail, and freight operator services.

According to the Federal Railroad Association, this project funds the completion of the fourth and final phase of upgrades to network infrastructure along the New Haven Line. The Connecticut Department of Transportation will provide $2.7 million in matching funds and Amtrak will provide $1.1 million.

The feds are also kicking in another $122.8 million for the New Haven Line Power Improvement Program. The project includes final design and construction to replace seven substations and associated power equipment along the New Haven Line, from the New York border to New Haven.
Click Here To Learn More
 
Access Health CT Open Enrollment
You can now enroll, renew coverage, and explore the various policy options with Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment started on November 1.

If you are interested and have questions about the program, there are several ways to receive free assistance:

  • In-person: There will be an enrollment fair tonight at UConn Stamford. CLICK HERE for more information. You can also enroll at Ferguson Library.
  • Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
  • By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday,
    8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
  • Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/.

If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare, please do not miss this opportunity. Click here to learn more.
 
Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal program that was created to ensure that American households can afford the broadband internet services needed for work, school, healthcare, and more. It currently serves 20+ million homes across the nation!

You can learn more and apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program directly online by visiting www.affordableconnectivity.gov.
 
Native American Heritage Month

Did you know that the 1638 Treaty of Hartford banned uttering the Pequot name?  Are you familiar with the Mystic River Massacre?

Native peoples, including Pequots, Mohegans, Paugussets, and Schaghticokes, have lived on the land now called Connecticut for more than 12,000 years. This Native American Heritage Month, we must pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans in our state, while still facing the truth of our history.
 
Fall Foliage Timeline
The beautiful fall colors are coming to end. CLICK HERE for the fall foliage report!