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Rail Study For Southeastern Connecticut
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Next week, the Connecticut Department of Transportation will be releasing a final draft of the Eastern Connecticut Corridor Rail and Transit Feasibility Study. It’s investigating the following:
- Establishing a new Shore Line East passenger train station in the Town of Groton and the Borough of Stonington
- Establishing a new passenger rail service from the City of New London to the City of Norwich
- Extending other ground transportation systems in the eastern region of the state and providing interconnection between such systems and rail lines
- Extending the rail line to the State of Rhode Island
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I will be submitting written testimony and testifying before DOT on the draft rail plan.
Earlier this week, I met with Rhode Island State Senator Victoria Gu, who is in her first year representing the 38th district which encompasses Westerly. She invited a few commuter rail advocates from the community to discuss the latest report.
We engaged in a casual discussion about the rail study, what Shore Line East service reductions to existing service means for the future of the line, and how our respective communities can better engage in advocacy by collaborating. |
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Shore Line East Schedule Changes
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Shore Line East (SLE) is changing its train schedule starting on Tuesday, September 5 as crews work on the Amtrak Fitter Interlocking Project. This work will improve Amtrak’s ability to do maintenance on the tracks with less impact on service. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, this trackwork is expected to be completed before the end of December 2023. |
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This schedule change impacts the weekday and weekend schedules. Please note that some train departure times have been changed to accommodate this project. On the weekdays, 14 trains will operate between New Haven Union Station and New London Station, and two trains will operate between New Haven Union Station and Old Saybrook Station. On the weekends, 14 trains will operate between New Haven Union Station and New London Station. Additionally, more trains are stopping at Madison Station. |
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Please stop by The Ditty Bag in Mystic on Saturday, September 2 from 10 A.M. - 12 P.M. to meet me in person over coffee to get an update on how I'm advocating for the 41st district. You are invited to share your priorities, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback. Having real conversations with you is critical to bringing positive change.
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Supporting Clean Cars & Trucks For CT
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This week, I co-signed a letter of testimony to DEEP supporting stronger vehicle emission rules, which the Lamont administration is considering. The proposal would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote a cleaner and more sustainable future for our state. The new rules would also give everyone more opportunities to buy zero-emission vehicles and slash toxic tailpipe pollution that fuels climate change. CLICK HERE to learn more. |
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Last Weekend of Free Museum Visits For Kids
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The start of the new school year means the Connecticut Summer at the Museum program is wrapping up on Monday, September 4. This is the last weekend to bring your children to participating museums for free. An accompanying adult, who is a Connecticut resident, can also gain free entry. |
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Below is a list of museums that are participating in and near the 114th district:
The full list of participating organizations and institutions can be found here. |
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New Groton Transfer Station Prices
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Each year, the town of Groton rolls out a new price structure for using the transfer station. New permits will be effective from today through August 31, 2024, for Groton residents. |
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Annual Permit:
Annual Permit (65+ at time of purchase):
Annual Permit (Active & Retired Military & Dependents):
Purchased after March 1, 2024:
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Permits are issued through the Public Works Office at the Annex, 134 Groton Long Point Road. Sales are from 8:30 A.M. - 4 P.M. Monday through Friday. |
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Support For Women-Owned Businesses
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Time is running out to apply for the next round of the Women's Business Development Council’s (WBDC) Equity Match Grant Program. The deadline is September 27.
The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut who have been in business for two or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million.
Since the start of the program, WBDC has distributed 216 grants of over $2 million to women-owned businesses in Connecticut. |
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Sign Up for Lobster Trap Tree Buoy Painting
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Starting on Friday, September 1, families can register to paint buoys that will be displayed on the Stonington Lobster Trap Tree. Call (401) 596-7761 if you are interested.
The first workshop will be held on Saturday Sept. 24 from 11 A.M. -1 P.M. at the Stonington Community Center and the second workshop is September 30 from 10 A.M. – 12 P.M. at La Grua Center.
Kids must be full-time Stonington residents and enrolled in a Stonington school or home schooled. Residency will be verified.
When the tree comes down, families can pick up their buoys at Indulge Coffee and Sandwiches within 60 days and keep them. |
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The Town of Groton Police Department and Thrive 55+ Active Living Center are hosting the free Pet Expo. You can expect to see:
- K9 Demonstrations
- Local Pet Vendors
- Pet Informational Booths
- Groton Animal Control
- Local vet(s)
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Join the Creator's Club on Saturday, September 9 at the Bill Memorial Library! |
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