Under the recently approved 2013 budget adjustments (HB 5557) and Education Reform bill (SB 458) the City of Meriden will receive an additional $1.77 million in education equalization aid grants in fiscal year 2013.

The Thomas Edison Magnet School in Meriden will receive additional funding to help bring the school into compliance with current State law. Also, the City of Meriden school district will receive state grants for both summer school/weekend programs and extending school hours to provide academic enrichment and support and recreation programs for students.

“We made a strong statement about the need for early childhood education, reading success at a young age, and support for troubled schools,” said House Speaker Donovan. “I’m also thrilled that we were able to help the Edison Magnet School and give Meriden students more opportunities for summer and after school enrichment programs. The plan we passed is smart, fair and bold, and will make a difference in the lives of our children.”

The budget bill keeps appropriations under the state’s constitutionally-mandated spending cap by approximately $86.4 million and maintains a strong commitment to education.

In spite of cuts in many areas, funding for cities and towns has been saved. Other highlights of the legislation include:

• Funding for the Youth Employment Summer Jobs Program and Adult Education
• A renewed commitment to arts and culture
• An urban youth anti-violence program

“As Vice-chair of the Appropriations Committee, I couldn’t be happier with funding for family resource centers and school based health centers, including our very own in Meriden,” Rep. Cathy Abercrombie stated. “Our children’s education is the foundation of our future. I am extremely pleased with this outcome and the impact it will have in our communities.”

Recognizing the value of early childhood education, the education reform bill (SB 24) creates 1,000 new pre-K School Readiness seats focused in high need, low performing communities. It also creates a pilot program to enhance literacy for students in kindergarten through third grade.

The bill also establishes the Commissioner’s Network, which provides the intensive support and interventions needed to turn around 25 of the most chronically low-performing schools in Connecticut. It grants the state commissioner of education the needed authority to develop or modify plans with teachers and parents at “turnaround” schools, while respecting collective bargaining rights.

“We prioritized our kids and I am pleased to have been able to work with colleagues from Meriden to make sure our students were well considered in the bill,” Rep. Altobello said.

The legislation requires at least 10 Family Resource Centers and at least 20 new or expanded School Based Health Centers to be located in education reform districts. It also increases funding for existing Family Resource Centers.

The bill reforms the teacher tenure system by increasing the frequency of teacher evaluations and linking tenure to evaluations. It also requires the education commissioner to administer an evaluation pilot program in 8 to 10 districts for the 2012-2013 school year.

There are also funding increases for vocational/technical and vocational/agricultural schools, charter and magnet schools, and a new kindergarten through 8th grade science initiative.

The funds support the ongoing HUB redevelopment on the 14.4 acre brownfield site located in downtown Meriden. It is a major initiative that will create significant economic development opportunities, public green space, and flood storage capabilities.

“We are focused on economic development and putting people to work,” Speaker Donovan said. “This funding moves Meriden closer to its vision for a stronger, more vibrant downtown area. Being able to clean up contaminated soil on the HUB site and address the flooding problem opens the way for the development opportunities and job growth we anticipate will come to this revitalized location. I thank Governor Malloy for his continuing support of our efforts.

“It is great that Meriden will be able to utilize these funds for remediation and economic development, especially in a downed economy,” Rep. Abercrombie said. “This type of project spurs additional economic activity and will be a much-needed shot in the arm for our city.”

“Brownfield remediation creates jobs, increases the tax rolls and preserves open space,” Rep. Altobello said. “This is an effective and efficient use of public funds to benefit the City of Meriden.”

Remediation of the contaminated soils on the HUB site will allow for the work necessary to reconfigure the site for flood control purposes and to permit reuse of the site for green space and economic development purposes.

A year ago the Bond Commission approved $2 million to advance a flood control project for Meriden that is part of the overall HUB development program.

The soil remediation funds are expected to be approved at the State Bond Commission meeting scheduled for December 9, 2011.

The funds are designed to facilitate “transit-oriented development” (TOD) projects to promote economic development by connecting transportation to housing and employment centers.

The Meriden grant will provide funding for market analysis, financial planning, environmental benefit analyses and preparation for studies and surveys of the Hub area near Meriden’s train station and related to the New Haven-Springfield rail line project.

 “This funding provides what Meriden needs to solicit the interest of private developers in the Transit Center project,” Speaker Donovan said. “The New Haven-Springfield rail project will drive job growth and economic development all along the route, and Meriden’s station is particularly important. Station improvements and development of the area will surely revitalize Meriden’s downtown and the city’s economy.”

Meriden Mayor Michael S. Rohde said, “Speaker Donovan, in conjunction with the Governor’s office, has delivered timely resources for our downtown redevelopment, ensuring we’re on track and that it will be successfully completed.”

“I welcome this news with enthusiasm because it takes us a step closer to alleviating congestion on our major highways which adversely affect our local and regional businesses as well as commuters,” Rep. Abercrombie stated. “Transit-oriented development benefits Meriden and the state on many levels including fueling much needed economic activity.”

“We have been concentrating efforts on spurring economic development in this tough economy and this funding is a welcomed boost to the revitalization of downtown Meriden,” Rep. Altotbello said.

Funding would go to constructing an auxiliary culvert at the Columbus Avenue Bridge, and the adjacent portion of the Meriden Linear Trail

Meriden is slated to receive $1.1 million from the state to continue its ongoing flood control work in the city, according to the State Bond Commission's just-released agenda for its next meeting.

The money will fund the next phase of the Harbor Brook Flood Control Project - constructing an auxiliary culvert at the Columbus Avenue Bridge, and the adjacent portion of the Meriden Linear Trail, according to the agenda.

City Manager Lawrence Kendzior said the funding could allow the city to begin work on the Columbus Ave.

Bridge over Harbor Brook - a consistent site of flooding - next year.

"We're very pleased to be receiving this funding," Kendzior said by e-mail Friday. "This will court funding for this project, enable us to go out to bid and begin the work next year. Combined with the work the state will be starting on the Cook Avenue bridge, it represents a major step forward in our flood control efforts."

State Rep. Emil "Buddy" Altobello (D-Meriden), who with Rep. Chris Donovan (D-Meriden), Rep. Catherine Abercrombie (D-Meriden), and former state Sen. Thomas Gaffey (D-Meriden), helped earmark the funds for Meriden in 2005, said the Columbus Ave. and Cook Ave. bridge projects would help some of Meriden's most flood-prone areas.

"It will certainly help those areas near Habershon Field - which floods all the time," Altobello said Friday, and mentioned that other prime flooding areas in the city like Meridian Street will also be assisted by these projects.

The Columbus Avenue Bridge project won't create a completed segment of the Linear Trail near the bridge, said Joseph Zajac, chair of the Linear Trail Advisory Committee. But the work done will make way for the trail, which in tentative plans is expected to run alongside Harbor Brook.

"Fix the flood control and trails will follow," he said. "I think this is great news."

The project is estimated to create or retain 20 construction-related jobs, according to the agenda.

The State Bond Commission still has to vote on the release of funds at its Sept. 23 meeting, but a project's inclusion on the agenda usually indicates that it will be approved.

This flood control project funding comes on the heels of a $1.2 Million release of funds for West Main streetscape improvements by the bond committee in its August meeting.

Funding for the project was announced today by Meriden State Representatives House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan, Catherine F. Abercrombie and Emil “Buddy” Altobello.

“This is further evidence of our commitment to revitalize Meriden,” Speaker Donovan said. “We fought for these funds to upgrade the quality of the West Main Street neighborhood and serve as a stimulant to commercial development in the area. That means jobs - some 40 temporary construction jobs and others that will be created through the additional development that we expect will occur as a result of these improvements.”

Funds will support streetscape improvements on West Main Street from Cook Avenue to North 2nd Street, including sidewalk repairs, roadway improvements and signalization designed to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety. The improvements will better connect the neighborhood to hospital and ambulance services, schools and a regional shopping center.

Federal funding of $725,000 has already been committed and approved for the project.

“Every opportunity we get to improve our city is a step forward to a safer and a more vibrant community," Rep. Abercrombie said. "I am delighted to see this funding approved, especially during this tough economic time. I thank Governor Malloy for prioritizing this project."

“This funding will provide the resources needed to implement a streetscape program that provides a safer, more economically viable, job creating central business district,” said Rep. Altobello.

The Meriden delegation said the funds are expected to be approved when the state Bond Commission meets on June 24.

The funds are to finance construction, renovations and equipping of expansion space for the Community Health Center facility at 134 State Street in Meriden. The project includes expansion into approximately 20,000 square feet on two stories in the building adjacent to the existing center.

“This is not only great news for Meriden, but for all of the people the Community Health Centers serve,” said Speaker Donovan. “These centers help keep our community healthy by providing critical services to so many individuals who otherwise would have to forego important care.”

“In addition, this is important economic development for Meriden that will create construction jobs in the near term and permanent health care jobs down the road,” Speaker Donovan added. “I am grateful to Governor Malloy for his support of this project.”

Governor Dannel P. Malloy said, “The 80 jobs associated with this one project alone - 60 construction-related and 20 permanent at the health center - will help put people in Connecticut back to work while serving the healthcare needs of people in Meriden and the surrounding areas. Community Healthcare Centers meet a critical need in the community, and I’m pleased to support this project.”

“Over the years, the Community Health Centers have done a great job,” Rep. Altobello said. “Their services are needed now more than ever. With so many people out of work and losing their work-related health insurance, the centers really pick up the slack for us. The significance of the jobs this project will create should not be underestimated either, as we continue to help our cities and towns like Meriden recover and prosper.”

“With the advent of national health care reform and increased demand by those who previously could not access essential services, centers like these will become increasingly critical to a functioning health care system,” Rep. Abercrombie said. “I am pleased these funds have been approved for the center and assure my constituents this is money well-spent toward improving the quality of life for all.”

The NCSL Legislative Effectiveness Committee is one of 12 standing committees of the National Conference of State Legislatures that examines strategies, practices and procedures for making legislators, staff and legislatures more effective.

The committee focuses both on key skills for legislators and on key operations and powers of state legislature. The issues include education and training for legislators and legislative staff, legislative structure and management, rules and procedures, leadership, committees, staffing, information resources, constitutional issues and ethics. The committee also addresses topics concerning the executive branch of government and Congressional procedures and reform.

“Creating a more structured framework that allows government to operate in an efficient manner has a considerable impact on its effectiveness,” Rep. Altobello said. “I will work with this committee to review ideas that have been implemented in Connecticut in order to find improvements.”

“Rep. Altobello’s many years at the state capitol will allow him to apply that experience on this national committee and I am sure he will prove to be an asset,” Speaker Chris Donovan said. “I look forward to the ideas generated through the work of this committee with him on board.”

The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and to advocate for the interests of states in the American federal system.

City officials are expected to apply for up to $1 million in funding that would be available for Meriden.

“As the New Haven-Springfield rail line comes closer to reality, it is important that Meriden is fully prepared to take advantage of its benefits,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), a long-time and leading proponent of the high speed rail project. “These funds would be greatly beneficial to a project that will mean jobs, a cleaner environment and less congested roads for greater Meriden and all of Connecticut.”

“Our state highways are being over utilized and cannot sustain the ever-increasing volume of vehicles,” Rep. Emil “Buddy” Altobello (D-Meriden) said. “These funds are crucial for the development of viable transportation alternatives to our crammed roads.”

“It is important that our state improve how we get people from place to place, and our Meriden train station is an important part of the solution,” Rep. Catherine Abercrombie (D-Meriden) said. “Economic development, jobs and overall quality of life hinge on a robust transportation system. Investment in high speed rail is long overdue and I look forward to jump starting this project.”