DeLauro, DeStefano Announce $651,615 Award for NEw Haven River Street Development Project

Investment expected to prevent shoreline erosion, promote business growth, create jobs

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) and Mayor of New Haven John DeStefano announced today that the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded the City of New Haven $651,615 to rebuild the failing bulkhead at River Street, stabilizing the shoreline of the Quinnipiac River to prevent further erosion and preparing the area for future development projects.

This project will include shoreline areas in the City of New Haven's River Street Municipal Development Project from James Street to 46 River Street, and the reconstruction of Lloyd Street. Through the EDA's investment process, this award of $651,615 will be used to complete the restoration project, and will leverage up to $27 million in private investments. Additionally, over 250 local jobs will be created by this project, with 100 of those expected to be retained.

The EDA's mission is to spur and lead economic development by encouraging innovation and competitiveness throughout the country. It acts as a venture capital resource to communities, providing seed money for projects and helping to foster growth and success.

"This important investment will help New Haven in a variety of ways—from helping to reinforce the shoreline of the Quinnipiac River, to rebuilding areas damaged by corrosion and preparing them for future business development, to creating jobs. This award is a win-win for our city, improving our infrastructure as well as making New Haven a better place to live," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "I look forward to seeing this project take shape and to seeing the River Street area revived as a thriving business community."

"This grant along with many of the other initiatives on River Street makes this district truly competitive as we revitalize and reinvigorate older industrial corridors," said Mayor DeStefano. "This investment will allow the city to take advantage of its waterfront environment and positions New Haven to attract new and growing businesses. I want that thank Congresswoman DeLauro for supporting grants like this that will bring good jobs to New Haven."