Honoring Our Veterans and Federal Rail Funding

November 10, 2023


This weekend we are honoring those who have served in the U.S. military for Veterans Day. Our heroes deserve to be recognized for their service to our country. Please read below to find out where you can salute our veterans at a parade in the 41st district.

Southeastern Connecticut is getting a major boost in our efforts to improve public transportation. Keep scrolling to learn how the federal government is getting involved.

You will also find the following sections in this week's email:

  • What's Our Rep Been Up To?
  • Veterans Day Weekend
  • Federal Rail Improvement Funding
  • Groton Public Schools Awarded Two Grants
  • Access Health CT Open Enrollment
  • Native American History Month
  • Mystic Water Flushing
  • Groton Leaf Collection
  • Community Events
 
What's Our Rep Been Up To?

I was honored to offer opening remarks at the Coastal Transitions (III) conference at UConn Avery Point. The discussion and keynote by Dr. Celine Germund-Duret focused on the role of environmental justice and diversity in Blue Economy narratives and policies.

As the world grapples with the challenges of environmental degradation and resource scarcity, the Blue Economy emerges as a beacon of hope, promising sustainable growth and improved livelihoods while safeguarding our precious marine ecosystems.

Coastal Transitions is an annual conference that brings together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the latest trends in the Blue Economy. My deepest gratitude to Dr. Syma Ebbin and Nat Trumbull for the invitation to attend this incredible symposium!
 
Veterans Day Weekend

Many communities all over the country will honor our heroes on Saturday for Veterans Day. It’s a day to thank and recognize the more than 19 million men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

You're invited to salute our veterans at the Westerly-Pawcatuck Veterans Day parade on Saturday, November 11 at 9:30 A.M. The parade will begin at the Pawcatuck Shopping Center and proceed down Route 234 to West Broad Street into Westerly via High Street then onto Railroad Avenue, ending at the Westerly Armory.
 
Federal Rail Improvement Funding

Southeastern Connecticut continues to make strides to improve public transportation in our shoreline communities. The federal government is providing up to $4 million to study options for future infrastructure, speed, and capacity improvements between New Haven, and Providence, Rhode Island.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the findings of the study would support Amtrak passenger rail service by having more resiliency, shorter trip times, more frequent trains, improved performance and reliability, as well as expanded capacity.
The FRA has selected 10 projects in Connecticut for a total of nearly $2 billion in federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The grants are funded through the Northeast Corridor (NEC) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program.
Click Here To Learn More
This funding comes less than two months after the Department of Transportation revealed its Eastern CT Corridor and Transit Feasibility Study, which includes a $243 million proposal to extend Shore Line East from New London to Westerly, Rhode Island. To learn more about that CLICK HERE.
 
Groton Public Schools Awarded Two Grants 

The superintendent of Groton Public Schools (GPS) announced the district received two competitive grants that will support our students.

  • A $1.25 million dollar grant will provide leadership in literacy, humanities, and STEM in grades K-5. CLICK HERE to learn more.
  • A $38,354 grant will fund equipment at the new Mary Morrison kitchen. This funding from CSDE National School Lunch Program Equipment will enable the GPS farm-to-school program to process and store fresh fruits and vegetables, increasing food safety and expanding student food choices to a greater variety of local seasonal options throughout the year.
 
Access Health CT Open Enrollment
Access Health CT's (AHCT) Open Enrollment is underway! You can enroll for the first time, renew coverage, and explore the various policy options to see which will be the most beneficial. 

If you are interested and have questions about the program, there are several ways to receive free assistance:

  • In-person: There will be an enrollment fair on Monday, November 13 at the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of New London and another on Tuesday, January 9 at Groton Public Library.
  • Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
  • By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday,
    8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
  • Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/

If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Click here to learn more.
 
Native American History Month

Did you know that the 1638 Treaty of Hartford banned uttering the Pequot name?  Are you familiar with the Mystic River Massacre?

Native peoples, including Pequots, Mohegans, Paugussets, and Schaghticokes, have lived on this land now called Connecticut for more than 12,000 years. This Native American Heritage Month, we must pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans in our state, while still facing the truth of history.
 
Mystic Water Flushing

Aquarion Water Company is flushing hydrants in Mystic.

  • Week of 11/06: Daytime flushing; residential neighborhoods                                                       connecting to Noank Road and Route 1 West of                                                   Allyn Street
  • Week of 11/13: Daytime flushing; residential neighborhood in area of                                         Judson Avenue
Flushing activities may cause discoloration. Customers are advised to store tap water in the refrigerator for drinking and cooking and to check the condition of the water before washing clothes. Most discoloration can be quickly cleared by running all the taps (including bathtubs) in the residence/business. If you have questions, call Aquarion at (203) 445-7310 or (800) 732-9678.
 
Groton Leaf Collection
The City of Groton is collecting leaves every Wednesday through December 6 except of the week of Thanksgiving.

CLICK HERE to watch a video as Groton Public Works Director Bill Robarge provides more information on fall leaf collection.
 
Community Events
 
 
 
 
 
 
Local businesses are invited to join the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, November 15 from 8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. for an interactive online discussion. Businesses can share their experiences and insights on weather-related challenges, including flooding, storms, or power outages.