Scenes From The 2024 Session, Meeting Tonight Regarding Replacement Bridge In Groton

May 13, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

We ended the 2024 legislative session, Sine Die, on Wednesday at Midnight. We had some legislative wins and losses, but we will continue to fight for what's right, including comprehensive climate legislation to protect our environment. With the exception of an important meeting tonight regarding a replacement bridge at Groton Long Point Road over Amtrak Railroad in Groton, today's newsletter is focused on legislative work in Hartford. As always, it is an honor to serve the 41st district.

This week's topics include:

  • Scenes from the 2024 Legislative Session
  • Meeting Tonight on Replacement of Bridge
  • Bipartisan Spending Stabilization Plan Passes
  • In The News: The 41st District
  • This One Is For You, Zell
  • Bills Passed During The 2024 Session
  • Solar Installations Coming To Groton Middle, Mystic River Magnet Schools
  • DOT Reminder
  • AN AAPI Issues Legislative Caucus
  • Mental Health Week Is Underway
  • Community Events And Notices

Aundré

 
SCENES FROM THE 2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
 
MEETING TONIGHT ON REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE 
This meeting aims to allow the community to learn about the proposed project to address existing structural deficiencies and substandard minimum vertical clearance of the bridge at Groton Long Point Road over Amtrak Railroad in Groton. To register, please click HERE.
 
BIPARTISAN SPENDING STABILIZATION PLAN PASSES
I'm proud to say we passed a bipartisan spending stabilization plan that will ensure our two-year state budget's historic tax cuts are protected, and we invest in the priorities that matter to you.
Remember, the two-year budget includes:
  • The Largest Income Tax Cut in State History
  • Investments in Public Education
  • New support for the IDD community
  • Expansion of Debt-Free Community College
  • A Strong and Vibrant Safety Net of Programs

We used remaining federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide support to some important priorities such as:

  • Higher Education - $160 million
  • Early Childcare - $21.8 million
  • Mental Health - $24 million
  • Nonprofits - $50 million

Funding specific to the 41st district includes:

  • Sec. 16. (Effective from passage) Notwithstanding section 16-243y of the 174 general statutes, the Department of Energy and Environmental 175 Protection may reimburse the costs up to $5,224,415 associated with the design and construction of a microgrid at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London in the town of Groton from the funds authorized by subdivision (4) of subsection (c) of section 13 of public act 13-239.
  • Mystic Aquarium received 177,603  in supplemental ARPA funding for FY 25
  • Youth Violence Prevention funding for various non-profits and youth programming in the 41st District, $150,000.
 
IN THE NEWS: THE 41ST DISTRICT
I think this collection of stories from the New London Day captures the wins and losses of the 2024 legislative, specifically for our district. Please click on the images to read.
 
THIS ONE IS FOR YOU, ZELL
I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to help secure this funding, which will provide more options for our constituents during peak hours. I know Zell Steever, a close friend and mentor, and rail and environment advocate, would have been proud, too. To read more, please click HERE.
 
BILLS PASSED DURING THE 2024 SESSION
Please click on the image below for a complete list of bills passed during the 2024 session.
 
SOLAR INSTALLATIONS COMING TO GROTON MIDDLE, MYSTIC RIVER MAGNET SCHOOLS

The Groton Board of Education announced the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in two schools, Groton Middle School and Mystic River Magnet!

These systems are estimated to save the district more than $40,000 annually in energy costs and more than $800,000 over the term of the power purchase agreements (PPA). The Connecticut Green Bank provided Groton Public Schools with guidance through its Solar Municipal Assistance Program (MAP), which simplified the process of going solar to allow the district access to the savings benefits with fewer challenges.

Solar developer Verogy was responsible for the installation of the systems.

The system at Groton Middle School has 560 panels with a 230 kW capacity, and the Mystic River Magnet School has 256 panels with 100 kW capacity.

 
DOT REMINDER
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.
 
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.

CTDOT Project No. 0058-0340 was awarded to American Industries for $38,250,000.00 on January 21, 2023, and is scheduled to be completed in May of 2026. This project is administered by the Bureau of Engineering and Construction, Office of Construction, District 2 in Norwich.

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.

 
AN AAPI ISSUES LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS
This month, lawmakers launched a bipartisan Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Issues Legislative Caucus within the Connecticut General Assembly. The caucus is open to AAPI legislators or whose spouses are AAPI.
 
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK IS UNDERWAY
Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness? This Mental Health Awareness Week, I will be highlighting some common mental health conditions, resources, and tips on how to help those who are struggling.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. This is a 24/7 free and confidential support line for people in distress which can offer prevention and crisis resources for people and their families/friends.
 
Community Events And Notices
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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