Extreme Heat Advisory, CTDOT Maintenance Facility Headed To Avon

July 10, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

It’s a broken record already, but we continue to be under an extreme heat advisory. I hope you are taking all precautions and if you do not have access to air conditioning at your home, you are seeking out the libraries and senior centers in Avon and Canton. Keeping that water bottle handy is extremely important right now.
 
You may have noticed a colorful mailer from me in your mailbox or if you haven’t it will be there soon. It’s the end of session update and it’s a sample of some of the bills that we passed during the short session. If you have questions about any of the information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at your convenience.
 
Stay cool and have a great rest of your week,


 
Eleni
NEW NEIGHBOR: CTDOT PLANNING NEW FACILITY IN AVON  
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is developing plans to construct a new maintenance facility in Avon. The proposed 18,150 square feet of bay area and a 6,200 square foot office area, will include operational areas for maintenance operations and private offices with supporting office spaces. Corresponding site improvements will be made. The existing building will be converted into a cold storage building.

The schedule indicates that final design plans will be available in September 2024. The project will be state-funded. It is the CTDOT’s policy to keep the public informed when such projects are undertaken, and important that the community share its concerns to assist in the project's development. Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the Project Manager, Mr. Michael J. Strong at (860) 594-3306.
 
HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL TONIGHT, BUT...
Though Governor Lamont issued an Extreme Hot Weather protocol on Monday through 5 p.m. today, temperatures will continue to be in the mid-to-high 80s through the weekend and begin in the 90s again to start next week.   
Those who are most vulnerable to heat and humidity should take precautions. Stay hydrated. Cooling centers are open statewide. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list that is being published online right here.
 
IN THE 17TH DISTRICT
(Patch via Shutterstock)

An Indian-themed dinner to benefit Avon Land Trust will be held at Avon Indian Grill, located at 320 W. Main Street. Please click on the Patch article below for more details.
The Canton Economic Development Agency seeks your input on future development ideas and has put together a survey, which you can access HERE. The deadline to submit responses is July 31, 2024.
 
NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
This month, we bring awareness to the unique challenges that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States face when it comes to mental illness. Please click on the image below to learn more, including eye-opening statistics on how many got care and why the numbers are as low as they are.
 
CT RECEIVES $39M GRANT FOR ALL ELECTRIC BUS FLEET
The CT Department of Transportation will receive a $38.9 million competitive grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to purchase 46 battery electric buses and install 29 chargers for the CTfastrak bus rapid transit service. The grant will aid CTDOT in converting CTfastrak to an all-electric bus fleet.
Awarding this grant also helps accelerate Governor Lamont’s goal of converting the overall statewide public transportation bus fleet from diesel to zero-emission models by 2035, which he has directed the CTDOT to complete through Executive Order No. 21-3.
 
AARP CT LIVABLE COMMUNITIES GRANTS AVAILABLE  
Friendly reminder: AARP Connecticut invites nonprofit organizations and municipalities across the state to apply for the 2024 Livable Communities Grant Program. Now in its seventh year, the grant program dedicated to funding “quick-action” projects in Connecticut communities, aims to help the state’s neighborhoods, towns and cities be great places to live for people of all ages. The application deadline is Friday, August 16, at 5 p.m. 

Grants can range from small, short-term activities to larger, permanent solutions, but the maximum amount of any single grant will be $5,000. All applications should be for a project of $5,000 or less. They should also be for projects in Connecticut that are focused on improving the lives of those 50+ and make a positive impact within one of the following eight Domains of Livability, including:

  • Outdoor spaces and buildings
  • Transportation
  • Housing
  • Social Participation
  • Respect and Social Inclusion
  • Work and Civic Engagement
  • Communication and Information
  • Community and Health Services

Comprehensive details about the program and applications can be found HERE. All proposals must be submitted to CTLivable@aarp.org by 5 p.m. ET, August 16, 2024, and all projects must be completed within 12 months from the day grant funding is received. 
FAMILY FUN NIGHT IN AVON ON JULY 18TH

Sincerely,


Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative
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