Women's History Month Essay Contest & Unpaid Utility Balances

March 20, 2024

Students are encouraged to think outside the box and celebrate Women's History Month by taking part in an essay contest. The winner will receive $500! Please read below for the rules and the deadline to apply.

Utility companies are offering payment plans to some customers with unpaid balances. I'll break down how the plan works and who to contact if you need assistance.

Plans are in the works to improve safety, reconnect neighborhoods, and recapture the riverfront in Hartford. I'll break down how some federal funding is bringing that plan closer to reality. 

These are the sections in today's email:

  • Women's History Month Essay Contest
  • Help with Unpaid Utility Balances
  • $2 Million For Transportation Improvement Plan
 
Women's History Month Essay Contest
I am excited to join my fellow members of the West Hartford House delegation to take part in a Women's History Month Essay Contest. This competition is open to both West Hartford high school and middle school students. We invite young people to share their perspectives on the most influential women to them —whether it’s someone in their lives today or a historical figure.
All essays must be sent to Awet Tsegai by email by Monday, March 25th. The top middle school and high school submissions will receive a state citation.

We can't wait to read these essays and learn about so many inspiring women. Please spread the word to teachers and students you know in West Hartford! 
 
Help with Unpaid Utility Balances

Utility companies have started reaching out to residential customers with unpaid balances to sign up for payment plans to avoid interruption in their current services.

Those with financial hardships or medical issues due to a serious illness have not been eligible for termination due to nonpayment since March 2020, which stems from the COVID-19 pandemic, and a longstanding statutory moratorium that annually safeguards Connecticut residents from winter shut-offs from November 1 to May 1.

If you get one of these notices, my office can work with you to help contact utility companies directly to set up a payment plan to avoid service disruption. These plans charge no interest, and all customers qualify at least once for one or more of the plans. Please see the graphics below for contact information for the utility companies and the available payment plan options for eligible customers.

Additionally, the Community Renewal Team (CRT) can also help. Please visit https://www.crtct.org or call (860) 560-5600.

After connecting with utility companies, customers may additionally contact PURA’s customer affairs unit for specific questions regarding payment arrangements. As a reminder, utility companies will never call threatening to shut off power and demanding immediate payment.

Please reach out if you have any questions, comments, or feedback.
 
$2 Million For Transportation Improvement Plan
The state received $2 million to support the Greater Hartford Mobility Study, which is a transformative plan to upgrade highways, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure in and around Hartford. The federal funds will go toward the preliminary engineering, environmental documentation, and public outreach for the River Gateway component of the study.

The River Gateway Project involves:

  • Lowering and then covering I-91 from the Founders Bridge to Dillon Stadium
  • Creating a surface boulevard between the Founders Bridge and Whitehead Highway to address traffic congestion on I-91
  • Redesigning the Whitehead Highway as an urban boulevard with a connection to Pulaski Circle to the west and the riverfront to the east
  • Designing a new local bridge over the Connecticut River with bicycle and pedestrian amenities between the Whitehead Highway area and Riverfront Boulevard/East River Drive in East Hartford
Click Here To Learn More About the Project