Kadeem Roberts

Great news for low and moderate-income homebuyers in Connecticut!

This week, the State Bond Commission approved $40 million in state funding that will be used to reopen the popular Time To Own program to a new round of applicants.
 
Time To Own has helped thousands of people buy their first homes since launching in 2022. The program provides forgivable loans for down payments and closing costs and has enabled individuals and families to achieve the dream of homeownership, fostering long-term financial stability and contributing to stronger communities.
 
To date, Time To Own has helped more than 4,800 homebuyers in 149 towns buy their first homes, more than half of whom are people of color. With the new funding allocation, Connecticut has invested $195 million in the program.

For more information on eligibility, additional considerations, and how to apply, visit chfa.org/TimeToOwn.

Governor Lamont has announced $30 million in state bonding will go toward improving our state parks and forests. The funding will support much-needed infrastructure repairs and renovations across Connecticut’s 110 state parks and 32 state forests, ensuring a better experience for everyone who wants to spend time in the great outdoors.

$3 million of that investment will fund urgent repairs at state parks that were damaged in historic floods in August. The storm caused significant damage to:

• Larkin Trail State Park (Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Southbury),
• Kettletown State Park (Southbury), 
• Southford Falls State Park (Southbury)

• Other outdoor recreational areas

This funding supports the Restore CT State Parks initiative, which is an historic effort by the Lamont administration and the state legislature to address the backlog of needed repairs. Since 2022, the state has committed more than $70 million of American Rescue Plan Act and state bond funds to support investment in outdoor recreation.

Improving our parks and forests will benefit everyone in the state. Access to parks promotes physical fitness by hiking, biking, jogging, and so much more. Being outside also helps our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, parks provide recreational spaces where families can come together. Ultimately, this investment will increase the quality of life while preserving Connecticut’s natural beauty.

Attention high school seniors: Next Friday, November 1 is Application Fee Free Day. On this day, prospective students can apply to any of the state's public universities for free! If you are interested in a post secondary education, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity! 

ICYMI - The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that SBEA (Small Business Energy Advantage) roadway lighting replacement will be performed on I-95 in Stamford/Norwalk. This project is scheduled to be completed on Thursday, October 31.

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO

There will be alternating on I-95 north and southbound Monday, September 30 to Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Signing patterns will be provided by State Forces and will guide motorists through the work zone.

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.