Expected Delays on I-95 and Proposed Tax Credit for Theatres

May 7, 2023

EXPECT NIGHTTIME DELAYS ON I-95 SOUTH

Crews will be upgrading a bridge on I-95 South in Stamford for about four months starting tonight. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is doing an asphalt joint installation, which will continue until the morning of August 31.
 
Drivers can expect lane closures on I-95 South between Exit 9 (US-1 East Main Street) and Exit 6 (Grenhart Road). CTDOT crews will be out there regularly from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. (Sundays through Thursdays). The schedule may change due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.
 
According to the CTDOT, there won’t be any work from 6 a.m. Friday May 26 until 8 p.m. Tuesday May 30 due to the Memorial Day Holiday.
 
The same goes from from 6 a.m. Friday, June 30 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 5 for the Independence Day Holiday.

The work is part of CTDOT's 2023 bridge maintenance program to support state forces with bridge repairs.

THEATRE TAX CREDIT BILL

As we debate and vote on different bills, I want to share my full support for our talented theatre community and a new bill providing serious financial help to places like the Stamford Palace. House Bill 6919 offers a 30% tax credit to companies for certain performances including Broadway tours in our state. My colleagues and I advocated for this legislation on Wednesday at the Legislative Office Building.

These proposed tax credits would attract shows that allow producers to fine-tune their project for about a month before the production goes on to Broadway or goes on tour nationwide. This opportunity for touring theatres can also benefit local businesses because of money spent on lodging, meals, and staffing in the surrounding communities.

It was a pleasure to attend the most fun press conference since I’ve been at the Capitol. It started when my good friend and our host, Representative Treneé McGee, caught us all by surprise by reading a theatrical role. I applaud her ingenuity and passion for putting all this support together.

Theatres are still trying to rebound from the pandemic, and this bill provides a lifeline for future growth. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this proposal.