Major Rail Investment & Affordable Connectivity Program

November 9, 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.

The federal government is making a huge investment into the Northeast Corridor's rail lines. This will lead to upgrades to Amtrak, Metro-North, and freight train experiences including more reliable, faster, and safer service. Scroll down to see what to expect in Connecticut.

The feds are promoting a program that can help you save on your home internet. Please read below to learn more and see how some applicants may get high-speed internet for free.

Below you will find the following sections in this email:

    • Federal Rail Funding
    • Affordable Connectivity Program
    • Leading Animal Activist
    • Low Income Pet Vaccines
    • November at Building One Community
    • Fall Foliage Timeline
     
    Federal Rail Funding

    Commuters in Stamford are going to benefit from a major investment into our rails. The federal government is providing up to $15.4 million to upgrade the New Haven Line network infrastructure.

    The funding will cover project development, final design, and construction to replace and upgrade fiber optic communication cables and network infrastructure at 60 locations along the New Haven Line in Connecticut. The project will benefit Amtrak's intercity passenger rail, Metro-North Railroad's commuter rail, and freight operator services.

    According to the Federal Railroad Association, this project funds the completion of the fourth and final phase of upgrades to network infrastructure along the New Haven Line. The Connecticut Department of Transportation will provide $2.7 million in matching funds, and Amtrak will provide $1.1 million.

    The feds are also kicking in another $122.8 million for the New Haven Line Power Improvement Program. The project includes final design and construction to replace seven substations and associated power equipment along the New Haven Line from the New York border to New Haven.
    Click Here To Learn More
     
    Affordable Connectivity Program

    The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal program is designed to ensure that American households can afford the broadband internet services needed for work, school, healthcare, and more. It currently serves 20+ million homes across the nation!

    You can learn more and apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program directly online by visiting www.affordableconnectivity.gov.
     
    Leading Animal Activist
    I am honored to have received an A+ from Connecticut Votes for Animals. As the co-chair of the Animal Advocacy Caucus, it is a top priority to protect the best interests of animals and create better laws for our wildlife.
    2023 was a successful year in the legislature because we passed a series of laws including:
    • Support for municipal animal shelters. The law requires municipal shelters maintain an indoor temperature of between 55-80 degrees, the same requirement used for private shelters.
    • Banning the hand-harvesting of horseshoe crabs and their eggs from state waters. This includes using horseshoe crabs for commercial fishing bait.
    • Updating our animal cruelty laws for the first time since 2016. The new law strengthens the state’s sexual assault law concerning animals, bans a person convicted of animal cruelty from owning, possessing, adopting, or working with any animal for five years after conviction, and requires veterinarians to report a person suspected of harming, neglecting or treating cruelly an animal involved in animal fighting.

    There is still plenty of work to do including passing legislation protecting bears and banning inhumane dog racing. We will work on these projects, amongst others, in 2024.
     
    Low Income Pet Vaccines 
    The Animal Population Control Program is funded by an annual surcharge on Connecticut dog licenses, the $45.00 adoption fee, as well as proceeds from the sale of the "Caring for Pets" commemorative license plates and donations.
    Learn More About the Program
    There are four participating veterinarians in Stamford. CLICK HERE to see the full list.
     
    November at Building One Community
    There is so much happening at Building One Community (B1C) in November from volunteer opportunities, to English language learning, and job search coaching.
    All November Happenings at B1C
    B1C opened its new living photo gallery in collaboration with long-time friend and Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist John Moore. The photo exhibition captures the heartbeat of our immigrant community through portraits and in action at work and celebrates the many ways our neighbors from all over the world contribute to our community and economy. SIGN UP FOR A SELF-GUIDED TOUR.
     
    I enjoyed looking at the portraits and all the great work by amazing immigrants who are active in the community.
     
    Fall Foliage Timeline
    Check out the timeline below for peak foliage. We still have a little time to enjoy the changing of the colors! CLICK HERE for the fall foliage report!