Gubernatorial Visit, Stonington Bridge Replacement, and Farm Flooding

July 28, 2023


Below you will learn about the governor's recent visit to our district, the new plan to replace an aging bridge in Stonington, and a request to get federal funding for farms that were flooded.

Click on any of these links to jump to that section of this newsletter:
 
WHAT'S OUR REP BEEN UP TO?

Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt, and Senator Heather Somers joined me for an awesome visit at the Noank Aquaculture Cooperative.

It was great to hear from Stonington Farms Shellfish, Noank Oysters, and Mystic Oysters about the state of the shellfish industry and supporting workforce development as we welcome a new generation of oyster farmers.

Thank you Governor Lamont for coming to the 41st district. We hope you enjoyed the oysters!
 
I hosted a roundtable on youth violence prevention with local nonprofit leaders and community members at Mystic Aquarium. Whether they came from the arts, marine sciences, or youth sports community, everyone was engaged in the discussion, We came away with some great ideas to prevent youth violence in Groton, Mystic, and Stonington.
We discussed a variety of strategies, including:
  • Increasing access to after-school programs (including transportation) and other positive activities for young people
  • Identifying what young people want including public spaces, things to create, establishing opportunity for youth to build solutions to adult-made problems
  • Developing a comprehensive plan to address the root causes of youth violence, such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and exposure to trauma

We look forward to working together to make our community a safer place for all young people.
 
PLAN FOR STONINGTON BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Stonington and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) have agreed to a new plan to replace the aging bridge on Alpha Avenue. CTDOT officials proposed to fully replace the bridge without closing off town roads. The federal government will cover 80% of the cost, and the state has offered to cap the Town's contribution to 15% of the lowest cost option ($1.2 million) and cover the remainder. 
Here is a closer look at the timeline on the project:
  • Summer 2024: Preliminary design for public input
  • Fall 2024: Final preliminary designs
  • 2025: Semi-final design
  • Summer 2026: Design completed
  • Spring 2027: Start of construction

The replacement bridge is expected to have a lifespan of 75 years. Watch the video below to learn more about the new bridge deal.
First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough and Warden Michael Schefers discuss new bridge agreement.
 
END OF SESSION WRAP-UP

Please join me, Representative Anthony Nolan, and Representative Christine Conley for an End of Session Wrap-Up to break down our accomplishments from the legislative session and how our work is going to affect Southeastern Connecticut.

The free event will be held on Thursday, August 3 from 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the Public Library of New London on Huntington Street.
You are invited to ask questions, provide feedback, and share your concerns with  my colleagues and me. We look forward to seeing you next week!
 
FEDERAL REQUEST TO SUPPORT OUR FARMS
Due to all the recent flooding and subsequent damage to farms, Governor Ned Lamont has submitted a request for federal assistance for New London County and the other seven counties in the state. All the recent rainfall has washed away some crops, particularly along the Connecticut River.
Courtesy: Tony Botticello
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture found that 27 farms in the state are estimating losses totaling more than 1,500 acres and nearly $21 million in lost sales revenue. This flooding is in addition to two previous frost events in February and May resulting in estimated losses totaling $8.4 million.
 
If Governor Lamont’s request is approved, farmers will be eligible for certain federal disaster assistance programs, such as emergency loans, to cover production losses they experienced from the flooding.
 
FREE MEALS FOR KIDS IN GROTON
Groton Public Schools are offering free breakfast and lunch for all children ages 18 and younger on weekdays from now through August 11 at the following locations:

Groton Public Library - 52 Newtown Rd.
Breakfast: 9:00 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.
Lunch: 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
 
Anchors Landing - 124 Gungywamp Rd.
Breakfast: 9:00 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.
Lunch: 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
 
Branford Manor - 37 Mather Ave.
Breakfast: 9:15 A.M. - 9:45 A.M.
Lunch: 11:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
 
Dolphin Splash Pad - 100 Tern Ave.
Breakfast: 9:40 A.M. - 10:10 A.M.
Lunch: 12:10 P.M. - 12:40 P.M
 
Poquonnock Plains - 1 Central Ave.
Breakfast: 9:40 A.M. - 10:10 A.M.
Lunch: 12:10 P.M. - 12:40 P.M.
 
COMMUNITY EVENTS
 
 
 
 
The Bill Memorial Library invites kids for games, crafts, snacks, and more to celebrate dragons and unicorns. For more information call the library at (860) 445-0392. No registration is required.