|
|
|
|
| Dear Neighbor,
Happy Valentine’s Day! Every day is a privilege to work for you and represent our district. Wishing you all a day full of love and kindness. I hope you enjoy this week's newsletter. Topics include:
- Around the 41st District
- Cold Weather Protocol Goes Into Effect Sunday
- $400K Headed to Stonington for Housing Rehabilitation Program
- Get Involved: Next Week's Public Hearings
- Celebrating Black History Month
- Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Unveils Priorities
- Upcoming: Pizza Capital Events
- Reminder: DEEP Funding Opportunities
- Reminder: Apply Now For Women-Owned and Child Care Business Grants
- Celebrating Black History Month
- Community Events and Notices
Have a great weekend,
Aundré |
|
| I attended UConn’s community meeting at Avery Point this week. It was an exciting opportunity to hear firsthand about the university’s plans to expand its academic offerings, strengthen partnerships with local employers like @gdelectricboat, and invest in modern facilities. As southeastern Connecticut experiences significant economic growth, it’s encouraging to see UConn prioritizing workforce development, climate resilience research, and potential student housing options to better serve our region.
A major highlight of the meeting was UConn’s proposal to build a dormitory on campus to house an estimated 200 students—an incredible win for our community. It was also shared that the proposal does not include the development of parcels that are forested and contain wetlands critical to many migratory birds north of Shennecossett Road. I will closely monitor this project and ensure that any concerns from the surrounding neighborhood are communicated to UCONN Avery Point leadership.
Huge thanks to President Maric, her team from Storrs, and Trustees Ritter and Gandara for engaging with the community I serve and addressing key questions about the scale and impact of this project. Congratulations to Director Seifert and all of the amazing faculty, staff, and students. |
|
| Here in the 41st District—Groton, Mystic, and Stonington—we’re at a crossroads, perfectly situated between Boston and New York, and just a 45-minute train or car ride from New Haven, the pizza capital of the U.S.
Our region has its incredible pizza traditions, from classic Greek-style pies to thin-crust, New Haven-inspired creations, with family-run institutions that have been serving the community for generations. Whether it’s a family dinner, a post-game tradition, or a quick bite with friends, pizza brings us together.
Throwback to visiting Pizza Palace in Groton with Senator Murphy and owner Jim Lampos—nothing beats great pizza and great company! Where’s your go-to spot for a slice today? |
|
| Due to a blast of arctic air headed our way, the state’s severe cold weather protocol will go into effect on Sunday beginning at 6 p.m., February 16th , and remain in effect through noon on Saturday, |
|
| Congratulations to the Town of Stonington, which is set to receive $400,000 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities program, administered by the Department of Housing. The Town will use these funds to complete up to 10 housing units and the future use of any program income to be used to continue the Stonington Housing Rehabilitation Program (SHRP) into the future
It is the town’s goal to establish SHRP as a continuous town service for its residents and serve as a catalyst to improve the properties and the living conditions of the residents.
The CT Department of Housing awarding $12.8 million in grants in all, to eight municipalities for infrastructure upgrades that will modernize and rehabilitate housing for low and moderate-income residents. |
|
| We are celebrating Black History Month with the launch of Connecticut's Black Maternal and Infant Health Caucus. This caucus is committed to expanding access to quality care and addressing racial disparities in healthcare for Black mothers and infants. |
|
|
The Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, a legislative body of which I am a proud member, unveiled its priorities for the 2025 legislative session, which ends in June. The priorities are:
- Education & Career Advancement
- Justice
- Housing
- Health and Human Services
- Economic Empowerment and Stability
Click HERE for a closer look at the priorities and their areas of focus.
|
|
| A bold set of new initiatives was announced recently to celebrate Connecticut's world-famous pizza culture. Check out a series of events beginning with the launch of the Pizza Capital Trail on March 14th right HERE. |
|
| The CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) is providing updates on funding and other opportunities, since they may be of interest to municipalities. |
|
|
Funding Opportunities for Municipalities
- Environmental Justice for New England: Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program Request for Proposals: This groundbreaking initiative will distribute $48 million in grant funding to advance environmental justice across six New England States as well as the federally and state recognized Tribal Nations of EPA Region 1. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with quarterly reviews until all funding is awarded. All grants will be fully expended by Spring 2027.
LEARN MORE
- EPA UPLIFT Climate and Environmental Community Action Grant: The UPLIFT Grant will support the development of a community of practice that will bring together institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, government entities, and other minority-serving institutions to learn from one another about the climate and environmental justice challenges that disadvantaged communities face, identify solutions, develop partnerships, and engage with government through a variety of public processes to ensure that their vital voices are a part of and help to inform decisions that impact disadvantaged communities. Applications are due 2/25/25.
LEARN MORE
- USDA Forest Service 2025 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program: The USDA Forest Service is seeking proposals to identify or develop successful sustainable green workforce development programs for urban and community forestry/green infrastructure for disadvantaged communities. This year's Notice of Funding Opportunity will be addressing Goals 3 & 5 in the National Ten Year Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan (2016-2026):
- Goal 3: Cultivate Diversity, Equity, and Leadership Within the Urban Forestry Community.
- Goal 5: Improve Urban and Community Forest Management, Maintenance, and Stewardship.
Local governments may apply if their proposed messaging includes other local governments/eligible entities around the country that can implement their process and demonstrate national application within the grant period. Applications are due 2/27/25.
LEARN MORE
- USDA Community Wildfire Defense Grant FY25 for Tribes: The purpose of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant is to assist at-risk local communities and Indian Tribes with planning and mitigating the risk created by wildfire. There are two primary project types for which the grant provides funding: The development and revising of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) and the implementation of projects described in a CWPP that is less than ten years old. Applications are due 2/28/25.
LEARN MORE
- US DOT Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program: Funding is available for planning and design phase activities for developing transportation projects in rural or tribal communities. Grants will support hiring staff or expert firms to provide technical, legal, or financial assistance to advance transportation projects that would be reasonably expected to be eligible for select DOT discretionary grants or credit programs. There is no local match required to participate in this program. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants with an eligible project who meet the merit criteria, so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early. The application portal will close on 4/3/25; however, award funding may be committed before this date.
LEARN MORE
- US DOE 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize: The DOE’s Renew America’s Schools program provides investments to transform decaying public school infrastructure into healthier, more energy-efficient learning environments. The program supports the implementation of infrastructure improvements in schools, with a focus on local educational agencies (LEAs) that qualify as rural and/or high poverty. Through Renew America’s Schools, DOE will help create healthier learning environments, lower utility costs, and redirect funds to support students and teachers. The application submission deadline is 4/3/25.
LEARN MORE |
|
| Women-owned and childcare businesses across Connecticut have an exciting opportunity to secure funding to support and grow their companies. The Women’s Business Development Council is now accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development. |
|
The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must:
- Be in operation for at least two years
- Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.
The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.
Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.
Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today! |
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
