Dan Gaiewski

Below is a message from the Connecticut Department of Transportation regarding bridge repairs over the Mystic River on I-95 in Mystic:
 

CTDOT announced bridge joint repairs over the Mystic River on I-95 in Mystic, with single lane closures scheduled through Thursday, March 20, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

The bridges are located between Exits 89 and 90.

This project is being performed to maintain the structural integrity of the bridges and ensure the continued safety of the traveling public.

The repairs will be performed by Hammonasset Construction.

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be a single lane closure on I-95 northbound and southbound, between Exits 89 and 90, during the scheduled work hours. Traffic control signing patterns and crash units will guide motorists safely through the work zone.

CTDOT urges motorists to maintain a safe speed, follow posted signage, and be alert to construction personnel and equipment when traveling through the area.

I was glad to see a federal judge recently ruled that work may resume on the Revolution Wind project, pushing back on the Trump administration's efforts to stop construction.

This project will have many benefits for our community, including roughly 2,000 jobs, 65 offshore wind turbines, clean energy in 350,000 homes, and lower costs for consumers.

Despite the setbacks, this important project will keep moving along, and I'm glad to see development up and running again.
 

AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more. 

This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project application must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities:

• Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
• Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
• Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4th, 2026. Learn more and apply here.