DeLauro, DeStefano Announce $2.2 Million for Downtown Crossing

Funding Will Help Advance Redevelopment, GrowEconomy

WASHINGTON,DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and New Haven Mayor John DeStefanoannounced that $2.2 million has been awarded to the Downtown Crossing projectfrom the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The project iscreating thousands of jobs in New Haven and will foster development in thearea. DeLauro has worked for over 30 years to secure funding for DowntownCrossing and will continue to do so in the future.

"Iam thrilled that the state was able to award Downtown Crossing these funds, anddo so in a fiscally responsible manner, using dollars that otherwise would havegone unused," DeLauro said. "Finding the resources to allow thisproject to move forward in a timely manner is incredibly important to economicgrowth and job creation. The eventual connection of Temple and Congressand Orange and South Orange will help revitalize the area, help our innovativelocal business to grow, and give a sizable boost to our local economy. This is another important marker in the process and I cannot wait to see moreof them as we move forward."

DeStefanosaid:"These monies will continue to set the stage for one of the largestdowntown development project in City history. For half a century, the highwaydivided the City and served as a reminder of the homes and businesses that werelost. No more. This February, work will begin to remove the highway and restorethe street grid, employing thousands of people and propelling our local economyfor decades to come. What was once a symbol of lost opportunity will againbecome a thriving part of our community. My continued thanks goes out to theCongresswoman and her tireless staff as they continue to fight for the returnof New Haven tax dollars back into the district."