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| OUT N' ABOUT IN THE 41ST DISTRICT |
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On Thursday, I joined my good friend Senator Chris Murphy for the last leg of his 8th annual “Walk Across Connecticut.” I was honored that he completed this walk in the 41st House District!
Over four days, Senator Murphy traveled through 16 towns over a 70-mile journey, culminating in a celebration at Mystic Seaport Museum, where community members greeted him.
Senator Murphy, Mystic Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Flax, and I met at the Engine Room, greeting Dan Meiser and Renée Touponce. Renée and David Standridge of the Shipwright’s Daughter are local chefs who are finalists for the prestigious James Beard Award, celebrating the best chefs in America.
During our walk, we talked about the impacts that submarine construction and tourism have on the housing market, as well as the bustling restaurant industry in Connecticut. He was also impressed by the beauty of the Mystic River and our precious environment. Additionally, we discussed the war in Ukraine and his work as a member of the Foreign Relations Committee.
It was an absolute pleasure to complete the walk with the Senator. The weather was incredible as the community celebrated his achievement on the beautiful deck of the Thompson Exhibition Building!
Congratulations to Senator Murphy and his team for their great effort! |
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| The native flora and fauna of Southeastern CT are incredible! The biodiversity in my neighborhood is astounding!
1. Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
2. Blue Flag (Iris versicolor)
3. Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana)
4. Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) |
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| What a great afternoon we had for the Mystic Memorial Day Parade! A big thank you to the Mystic VFW and all who worked hard to make the event happen in honor and dedication to our heroes. |
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| The rain held out for the wonderful Noank Memorial Day Parade! We remember and honor those who sacrificed everything. |
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| Thank you to Robert and Amanda for recently hosting an incredible “Darty” (dance party) at Just Mystic. Congratulations on your grand relocation opening and all you do to promote Mystic and our community! I look forward to seeing your business continue to thrive! |
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| JOIN ME FOR COFFEE AT THE DITTY BAG ON SATURDAY |
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| I hope you can join me for our monthly get-together at the Ditty Bag tomorrow, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.! |
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| EXPANDED PAID SICK DAYS: IT'S THE LAW |
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| Workers should never have to choose between their health and their jobs. This legislation signed by Governor Lamont expands this coverage to include more workers in two ways:
Beginning January 1, 2025, these laws will apply to workers of nearly every occupation, not just those in retail and service jobs. (Seasonal employees and other certain temporary workers are exempt.)
The threshold for coverage will be lowered in three phases, beginning with employers that have at least 25 employees on January 1, 2025; those with at least 11 employees beginning January 1, 2026; and those with at least one employee beginning January 1, 2027. |
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| PUBLIC ACT 24-46: LOOKING OUT FOR OUR VETERANS |
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| A more detailed look at PA 24-46 can be found HERE. |
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Wrong Way Detection Installation at Exit 85 Northbound Off-Ramp from I-95 to Bridge Street in Groton
CTDOT is announcing that a wrong-detection installation will be performed at the Exit 85 northbound off-ramp from I-95 to Bridge Street in Groton on Friday, May 24, 2024.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that a wrong-way detection installation will be performed at the Exit 85 northbound off-ramp from I-95 to Bridge Street in Groton on Friday, May 24, 2024. The project involves excavating and relocating a wrong-way detection system at the Exit 85 northbound off-ramp from I-95 to Bridge Street in Groton.
RAMP CLOSURE INFO:
Motorists can expect a temporary sidewalk and right-lane closure to occur at the Exit 85 northbound off-ramp from I-95 to Bridge Street in Groton. Traffic will be directed to use the left lane at the Exit 85 northbound off-ramp to access Bridge Street in Groton. Variable message boards will be set up approximately one (1) week before the start of this project. Crash attenuator vehicles and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone. The work schedule for this project is from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday.
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.
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| The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced a milling a resurfacing project will be performed on Service Route 649 (Rainville Hill Road/Poquonnock Road/High Rock Road/Tower Avenue) in Groton starting next Thursday, May 23.
The milling segment will take place on Thursday, May 23 through Tuesday, May 28 and the resurfacing segment is anticipated to take place Monday, June 17 through Tuesday, June 25.
Motorists can expect lane closures to occur on Service Route 649 from Route 349 (Clarence B. Sharp Highway) to 0.13 mi. south of the Groton/New London Airport drive in Groton. Groton Town Police and City Police, traffic control personnel, crash attenuator vehicles and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone. |
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Guiderail Installation on I-95 North and Southbound in Groton and East Lyme
CTDOT is announcing that a guide rail installation will be performed on I-95 north and southbound in Groton and East Lyme starting May 6, 2024.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that a guide rail installation will be performed on I-95 north and southbound in Groton and East Lyme. This project is scheduled to begin on Monday evening, May 6, through Friday morning, August 30, 2024. Work will end at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 24 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, due to the Memorial Day holiday and from 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, due to the Independence Day holiday. |
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I-95 Northbound Lane Shifts Between Exits 91 and 93 in Stonington
CTDOT is announcing that lane shifts along I-95 northbound between Exits 91 and 93 in Stonington will be in effect starting the week of May 6, 2024.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that lane shifts along I-95 northbound between Exits 91 and 93 in Stonington will be in effect starting the week of May 6, 2024.
LANE SHIFT INFO
The I-95 northbound lane shift beginning before Exit 91 and extending for approximately 2,200 feet will guide traffic to the left side while construction work is being performed along the right side of the Bridge over Taugwonk Road.
I-95 northbound lane shift beginning before Exit 93 and extending for approximately 1,600 feet will guide traffic to the left side while construction work is being performed along the right side of the Bridge over Route 216. |
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| PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING GOLD STAR BRIDGE SET FOR JUNE 24TH |
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The CTDOT will conduct a hybrid public information meeting (in-person and virtual) concerning pedestrian improvements on the Southbound Gold Star Memorial Bridge and both approaches in New London and Groton on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
The hybrid public information meeting is being held to allow the public and local community an opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. The meeting will be held in person in the New London City Hall Building at 181 State Street in New London. The meeting will also take place on Zoom (registration required) and livestreamed on YouTube. A question and answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation. For instructions on how to access the meeting, and ways to provide comments and ask questions, please click on the image below.
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| (photo credit The Day)
The Gold Star Memorial Bridge is a key connection between New London and Groton for pedestrians and cyclists across the Thames River. The only way to travel between cities by non-vehicular modes is via a five-foot-wide sidewalk adjacent to the right I-95 Southbound travel lane on the Gold Star Southbound bridge. This Shared Use Path (SUP) connection across the Thames River has been in regional and state plans for a long time, intending to improve the safety and accessibility of the non-motorized traveling public between New London and Groton. The project consists of widening the existing sidewalk on the Southbound Gold Star Bridge and the east and west approaches to the bridge, as well as adding a spur path that connects to Williams Street in New London and reconfiguring the Bridge Street intersection in Groton.
There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements. Temporary easements are anticipated for construction access. No permanent right-of-way impacts are anticipated.
Construction is anticipated to begin in the Summer of 2028 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way, and approval of permits. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $55.5 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken using 90% federal funds and 10% state funds.
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (877) 853-5257 and entering Meeting ID 852 7950 4911. 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 Tracey Brais at DOT.GoldStarBridgeProjects@ct.gov or (860) 594-3171.
Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line at (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.
The meeting will be hosted in person in the New London City Hall Building at 181 State Street in New London and virtually on Zoom. The meeting will also be live-streamed 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.
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 July 8, 2024, to DOT.GoldStarBridgeProjects@ct.gov and (860) 594-2020. Please reference State Project No. 0094-0267 in the email or voicemail.
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| AANHPI HERITAGE MONTH HIGHLIGHT |
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| Our state’s Attorney General, William Tong, is a man of many firsts. He works every day to safeguard our civil rights and freedoms, fighting alongside state attorneys general nationwide to protect the rights of women, minority communities, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community. Attorney General Tong has joined the Justice Department’s lawsuit to take on LiveNation/Ticketmaster for monopolizing markets across the live concert industry. You can learn more HERE. |
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| SUMMERTIME IN CONNECTICUT |
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Whether hiking scenic trails, lounging on beautiful beaches, or enjoying local festivals, there's no shortage of activities to make your summer unforgettable. Get out and explore all that our state has to offer, including:
- 110 state parks
- 32 state forests
- ️100+ miles of shoreline
- 3,000+ lakes, ponds and reservoirs
Don’t forget - through the Passport to the Parks program, drivers with Connecticut-registered vehicles do not have to pay a fee to park at any state park or forest. Learn more HERE. |
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| PRIDE MONTH BEGINS SATURDAY |
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| Let's kick off June by celebrating love, diversity, and the incredible contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. |
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| PRIDE DAY AT THE CAPITOL IS ON MONDAY! |
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| COMMUNITY EVENTS AND NOTICES |
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| 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 |
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