Aundré Bumgardner

Dear Neighbor,

What a scorcher today! Remember to stay hydrated, and let's make sure family and friends are aware, too. I'm happy for a couple of fellow lawmakers who saw their hard work recognized at a bill signing event this week. Congrats to Black Maternal and Infant Health Caucus Chairwoman Kai Belton and vice chair Trenee McGee. See more details below.

I'm proud of the investment we've made in Early Childhood Education, and I think you will be, too. Keep scrolling for more information.

Speaking of proud, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters has released its Environmental Scorecard, which holds lawmakers accountable for their positions on related issues and sets the stage for the next session's environmental priorities. You'll see how I fared below.

Finally, I would like to send a shoutout to the new principal at Dr. Charles G. Magnum Elementary School, Stephanie Sawyer. 

Topics in this week's newsletter include: 

• A Commitment to Maternal Health
• CTLCV Environmental Score: 93
• More Affordable, Accessible Child Care
• Welcome Stephanie Sawyer!
• International Sea Glass Festival in Mystic Saturday
• CT Department of Transportation News
• Veterans Resources & Updates
• Community Events and Notices

Have a great weekend!

Do not hesitate to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.

Sincerely,

Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative

 

This transformative program will help expand access to quality, affordable child care for families across the state. The endowment will be used to:

• Expand capacity by adding tens of thousands of new child care slots in Connecticut’s state-funded system, allowing more children to enroll in high-quality early learning programs.
• Provide free early childhood education to families enrolled in Early Start CT earning up to $100,000 annually, and ensure that no participating family pays more than 7% of their income for care.

This is just the beginning. In the years ahead, the Endowment will continue to grow through annual contributions from budget surpluses and strategic investments – ensuring that we build a lasting foundation for Connecticut's children and families.

CTDOT Public Meeting on Alpha Avenue Viaduct Replacement

On Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will hold an in-person public information meeting at Stonington High School, located at 176 South Broad Street in Pawcatuck. The meeting will cover the proposed replacement of Bridge No. 03906, which carries Alpha Avenue over the Amtrak rail line and local roads in Stonington.
 
The meeting facility is ADA accessible and will include a formal presentation followed by a question-and-answer session with project officials. It will also be broadcast on Southeastern Connecticut Television, uploaded to the town’s YouTube channel, and archived at CTDOT’s virtual public information meeting archive at portal.ct.gov/ctdotVPIMarchive.
 
CTDOT states that the proposed project will improve the safety and structural condition of the Frank Turek Viaduct while addressing future transportation needs. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $48 million, to be funded primarily through federal sources, with $1 million from the Town of Stonington and the remaining share from state funds. Construction is expected to begin by 2028, pending funding availability, permitting, and necessary property acquisitions. CTDOT has indicated that right-of-way impacts may include temporary easements, partial acquisitions, or full property takings.
 
In recent weeks, I have heard from multiple residents who are deeply concerned about the scale and impact of the proposed design. One of the most significant issues raised is the bridge’s alignment, which would move the viaduct 12 feet closer to homes. In some cases, construction activity would come within six feet of residential structures, with families potentially losing their garages, driveways, and nearly a quarter of their property. These are not theoretical impacts—they are real, lasting disruptions to people’s lives.
 
Residents have also raised important questions about the length and width of the proposed structure, which has grown from an original 200-foot concept to over 600 feet. Concerns have also been voiced about the accuracy of traffic data being used to justify the design and about the complete closure of pedestrian access for the duration of construction. People want to know why less disruptive alternatives aren’t being considered—such as a narrower structure, different sidewalk configurations, or alternative construction strategies like those that will be used near the active railroad tracks.
 
This is a pivotal moment for the community to raise these questions and offer input. I will continue to advocate for full transparency, public accountability, and the preservation of neighborhood character as this process moves forward.
 
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting in person or view the recording afterward. Public comments and questions will be accepted through Thursday, August 14, and can be submitted via email to DOTProject0137-0164@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 594-2020. Constituents may also contact Project Manager Francisco Fadul directly at Francisco.Fadul@ct.gov or (860) 594-2078. Please reference Project No. 0137-0164 in all correspondence.
 
For additional materials and updates, click HERE.

Temporary Signalization on Route 215 in Groton

A temporary signal was implemented on Route 215 in Groton on Monday, June 9th. It will be de-energized in November 2025. Project No. 0058-0338 consists of replacing the culvert headwalls and relining the existing culvert pipe under Route 215 at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove.

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO

There will be continuous single-lane closure on Route 215 from June 9 to November 2025. Traffic control signing, temporary pavement markings, and the temporary signal will guide motorists through the work zone in an alternating one-way manner.

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.

Culvert Replacement on Route 215 in Groton

A culvert replacement at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove will be performed on Route 215 in Groton. Minor construction and utility work have already commenced.

This project is scheduled to typically occur on Mondays through Fridays with anticipated completion on November 22, 2025.

The project will address the deterioration of the existing headwalls and the separation of the culvert sections spanning Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove on Route 215 in Groton, Connecticut. The project is scheduled to be completed on November 22, 2025.

• Your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is critical for accessing VA benefits. Here’s how to obtain a copy:
• Check with your Town Clerk – Many Veterans file their DD 214 with their local town clerk.
• Contact CT Veterans Affairs – They have an archive of 130,000 DD 214s. Email oaa.dva@ct.gov for assistance.
• Submit a Request to the National Archives – The fastest way is online: Request Here
• If Needed for Burial or Military Honors – Funeral directors have priority retrieval access.

• Groton – 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
• Groton Public Library – 52 Newtown Road
• Mystic – 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
• Mystic Congregational Church – 43 East Main Street
• Pawcatuck – 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
• Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center – 27 Chase Street

For more locations and information, contact:
Gina King, Director, Senior Volunteer Services
gking@tvcca.org |  860-425-6617

If you have any issues, concerns, or ideas related to Veteran services, military families, or legislative priorities, please feel free to reach out to my office. Your service and sacrifices deserve to be honored with the best support possible.