Dominique Johnson

Did you know there's still time to collect your COVID relief money from 2021? If you're a Connecticut resident and have not received your COVID relief money, there's still time, but it's running out quickly. That's why United Way of Connecticut and its trusted partners will help you get the money you're owed. Whether it's COVID relief money or child credits, visit ctunitedway.org/getyourrefund to help you get your money. 

Later in the day, two Westport based psychotherapists will hold a discussion about the impact that social media is having on young people.  

Visit the Westport Library website to learn more. 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing a wrong way detection installation will take place on I-95 northbound at Exit 5, Route 7 northbound at Exit 2 and Route 15 southbound at Exit 31 in Greenwich and Norwalk. This project is scheduled to occur on Wednesday, October 23 and be completed on Thursday, October 24.

The Wrong Way Detection System uses video cameras to detect vehicles that are traveling in the wrong direction. If a vehicle is detected, wrong way signs outlined with multiple sets of red lights are activated and begin flashing to alert the driver they are traveling in the wrong direction. Additionally, the system alerts the CTDOT Highway Operations Center and local State Police Troop barracks in real-time, allowing staff to monitor the activities of the wrong way driver on the ramp.

For more information on CTDOT’s commitment to stopping wrong way drivers, visit https://portal.ct.gov/wrongwaydriving

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO

Motorists can expect the following closures on Wednesday, October 23, 2024:

I-95 northbound at Exit 5 in Greenwich

• Detour: I-95 Exit 6 northbound in Greenwich

Route 7 northbound at Exit 2 in Norwalk

• Detour: Route 7 Exit 3 northbound in Norwalk

Route 15 southbound at Exit 31 in Greenwich

• Detour: Route 15 Exit 29 southbound in Greenwich

Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone. The work schedule for this project is from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Wednesday to Thursday.

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.

Public Information Meeting on Safety and Operational Improvements to Bridge in Westport 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct a virtual public information meeting concerning safety and operational improvements to the Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge in Westport on Monday, October 21 at 6:00 p.m.

This virtual meeting is being held to provide the public the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. A Q&A session will immediately follow the presentation, which will be recorded. Registration is required, please refer to the project webpage for more information portal.ct.gov/DOTWestport0301-0563.

Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (877) 853-5257 and enter Meeting ID 882 0064 5533. Individuals with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Individuals with limited internet access may also request that project information be mailed to them within one week by contacting D.Jay.Young@ct.gov or (860) 594-2881.

This meeting will also be livestreamed on the CTDOT YouTube channel; no registration is required. Non-English language closed captioning will be available on Zoom and YouTube. The recording will also be posted immediately following the meeting in the list of CTDOT virtual public meetings at portal.ct.gov/ctdotVPIMarchive.

Deadline Date Change for Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program for Flood Victims

FEMA has authorized the Connecticut Department of Labor to launch federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those residents who experienced job interruption or loss due to the August 2024 flooding.

Please note - the application deadline has changed. Applications must be filed by November 19, 2024.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is a federal program that supports workers whose employment was lost or interrupted by a major disaster and who are not eligible for regular state unemployment insurance benefits. DUA covers workers, some residents who are self-employed, and the surviving spouses of heads of household who died due to the storm.

Eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance includes:

• Residents who live, work, or travel to work through impacted areas—Fairfield County, Litchfield County, or New Haven County.
• Individuals who were to start work or self-employment but were prevented from doing so due to the flooding.
• Workers who experienced unemployment or reduced hours due to:
  • Flooding to their place of business;
  • Road or other closures; 
  • Lack of work because the business depends on a non-operational entity within the affected area; or
  • Experienced injury caused directly by the storm.

Click here to learn more. 

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative