DeLauro, Hayes, Blumenthal, Murphy Announce $23.1 Million RAISE Grant for City of Waterbury Transportation Infrastructure

House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy announced a $23.1 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant for the City of Waterbury's section of the Naugatuck Greenway Trail, West Main Street Renovation and Streetscaping Improvements, and the addition of electrical vehicle charging stations at the Downtown Waterbury Train Station.

"The funding that is coming to the City of Waterbury for the modernization and construction of its Greenway Trail, streetscaping improvements, and addition of electrical vehicle charging stations is profound" said Chair DeLauro. "The work that goes into building a safer, more accessible, and sustainable city will provide a pipeline of technical jobs for residents not just in Waterbury, but across Connecticut. I was proud to author a letter of support for these projects that will improve infrastructure, boost local economies by closing vehicle charging deserts, and preserving the health and recreation of our trails."

"I am pleased to see significant federal dollars coming back to Waterbury to help revitalize the city landscape and create an economic and environmental hub. This grant award is the epitome of collaboration at the local and federal level, as the entire CT delegation worked diligently with the U.S. Department of Transportation and local leaders to secure these funds. I will continue to make every effort to bolster support for our communities, expand access to green spaces and revitalize strategic economic zones," said Congresswoman Hayes.

"This blockbuster grant builds significantly on past federal investments and I am pleased to see continued substantial investments being made in the City of Waterbury to preserve open space, enhance electric vehicle infrastructure, and improve downtown streetscaping," said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. "Unlocking and developing Waterbury's enormous potential for economic growth and green infrastructure should be a federal priority. This federal funding will help revitalize the city's landscape and aid in several green infrastructure projects. I am proud to have worked with the entire Connecticut congressional delegation and the U.S. Department of Transportation to bring these critical funds to Waterbury."

"The city of Waterbury put together a great plan to repurpose old manufacturing warehouses and factories to create a new greenway, build affordable housing, and boost the economy. I'm glad to see them receive significant federal funding to make these improvements and increase accessibility," said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy.

"I'd like to thank our amazing federal delegation, each of whom has supported Waterbury and the region in every possible way," said City of Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary. "I would also like to thank Governor Lamont, CT-DOT, NVCOG, and WDC for reminding us of what can be accomplished in our region and state when we all work together. This funding for Waterbury puts us firmly on track to implement the transformational vision for our city's future."

The U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact.

# # #