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DeLauro Secures More Than $13.6 Million in Local Projects

March 9, 2022

WASHINGTON, DC — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) secured $13,662,455 in Community Project Funding for Connecticut's Third Congressional District. This funding, included in the federal spending package introduced today by Chair DeLauro, responds directly to some of the most pressing needs facing people across Connecticut.

"Dedicated groups and organizations across Connecticut are working hard to boost our economy, support hardworking families, and keep our communities safe, they simply needed the funding to succeed," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "For the first time in ten years, the federal spending package I introduced and helped pass today includes funding for community projects across Connecticut. These investments support our local communities, small businesses, and working families. They go to local governments and nonprofits that serve our communities, not to big companies. From modernizing infrastructure at R.M. Keating Historical Enterprise Park to create leasable space for small businesses, to working with the North Branford Police Department to modernize the Emergency Operations Center, I am proud to have championed these Connecticut projects. With this more than $13 billion in federal funding, I know these eight projects will bring us safer communities and give young people a shot at good-paying jobs."

A summary of the eight projects that will receive funding, in alphabetical order, along with quotes from the sponsoring organizations:

$1,000,000— CITY OF MIDDLETOWN

This project will provide funding to modernize building infrastructure at R.M. Keating Historical Enterprise Park. This modernization will turn unusable, empty space into new, leasable space for small businesses and create space for entrepreneurial support programs within the community.

"With this federal funding, the Keating building – already one of Connecticut's most successful small business incubators – will finally be able to reach its full potential as an engine for job creation, a thriving mixed-use destination, and a community anchor for the North End," said Mayor of Middletown Ben Florsheim. "Rosa has always been a champion for Middletown and for the North End, and as Chair of the Appropriations Committee, her support and partnership represent a historic opportunity to move our city forward in big, meaningful ways. We can't wait to get to work."

$2,000,000— CITY OF NEW HAVEN

This project will provide funding for the implementation of the New Haven Community Crisis Response Team. This mobile crisis team program will be integrated into the existing 911 and non-emergency dispatch system and the human services network within the region.

"Over this past year, my administration has been working tirelessly to reimagine the way that the government can serve the residents of our city," said Mayor of New Haven Justin Elicker. "Today, I am proud to say that these new, innovative programs are likely to get the funding they need to become a reality. Creating a Community Crisis Response Team to integrate mental healthcare and social workers directly into our 9-1-1 dispatch will realign our approach to public safety to one focused on social services, not just on law enforcement. At the same time that we take a new approach to public safety, we also have to create more opportunities for our children. Funding for the New Haven Public Schools Manufacturing Technology program will give many of our young people the chance to get trained for good paying jobs and lifelong careers right in high school. This funding is about racial equity, both in creating opportunity and realigning the role of government to one that focuses on the well-being of every New Haven resident. Congresswoman DeLauro has been a champion for our people, and this is just the latest in a long line of her advocacy and tireless work for those who need it. I am grateful for her partnership and eager to see these programs implemented to move us closer to a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."

$2,000,000— NEW HAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

This project will provide funding for New Haven Public Schools to introduce and implement a manufacturing program through a partnership with local universities, community colleges, and industry leaders to fill the entry-level technical positions in the manufacturing sector. The program will give students a unique opportunity to earn an industry-recognized, two-year associate's degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from Gateway Community College, along with their high school diploma within a six-year experience.

"New Haven Public Schools is expanding opportunitiesfor students aspiring to work in careers in advance materials and manufacturing," said Superintendent of New Haven Public Schools Dr. Iline P. Tracey. "The District is creating pathways to careers in these sectors by establishing specialized coursework to allow students to graduate with the equivalent of an associate's degree. Given that the manufacturing sector makes up 14% of the labor market in the greater New Haven region, the District wants to prepare students and provide them the opportunity to begin successful careers. The District is inspired by the Governor's Workforce Council report that highlights New Haven's focus on bioscience and manufacturing careers as an area for growth."

$1,500,000— STERLING HOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER

This project will provide funding for facility improvements to replace a 135-year-old tile roof, gutter system, and other deteriorating areas of the building's exterior at the Sterling House Community Center. These improvements will support Sterling House as Stratford's largest Food Pantry and social service agency whose programs include pre-school, afterschool, summer day camp, and many other community services.

"It has been an incredible two COVID-years of determination, resilience, and heart as we worked together to serve the urgent needs of our community," said Executive Director of the Sterling House Community Center Amanda Meeson. "Despite the challenges, we continue to provide high-quality affordable childcare, support children with food security, provide food and basic needs to seniors and those in need, keep kids healthy and active in our athletics, and act as a positive inspiration for our community. With the restoration of the failing exterior shell of our beloved 136-year-old home, we will ensure Sterling House stands proudly to welcome and serve the generations to come."

$2,250,000— TOWN OF BRANFORD
This project will provide funding for the full reconstruction of the East Industrial Road in Branford, from Leetes Island Road to the southbound Interstate 95 exit ramps (0.35 miles). Regionally, this project is vital to economic development and growth and will serve the towns of Branford, Guilford, North Branford, and beyond. The full reconstruction will provide access to a large supermarket, numerous restaurants, retailers, breweries and vineyards, the local YMCA, farms, medical facilities, manufacturing and biotech facilities, distribution hubs, hotels, local shellfish processing facilities, public trails, and the Stony Creek Quarry featuring their distinctive pink granite.

"The Town of Branford is grateful to have the East Industrial Road Reconstruction Project considered for Community Project Funding," said Branford First Selectman James B. Cosgrove. "East Industrial Road serves as the main access road from Interstate 95 to a significant multi-town region that is ripe for development and redevelopment. The project will address the need for vehicular and pedestrian safety, as well as provide improved infrastructure to facilitate economic growth."

$3,412,455— TOWN OF DURHAM

The project will provide funding for the expansion of public water to supply clean drinking water to a contaminated area via an interlocal agreement between the Town of Durham and the City of Middletown. For decades, properties in the center of Durham were polluted by toxic chemicals requiring filtering and monitoring. By providing clean, safe, and reliable drinking water, this project will protect the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors within the region.

"This project is a prime example of intermunicipal cooperation and commitment to the health and safety of our residents," said Durham First Selectman Laura L. Francis. "I am grateful for the assistance of Congresswoman DeLauro and the federal government in working to provide clean drinking water to the residents of Durham."

$1,000,000— TOWN OF NORTH BRANFORD

This project will provide funding for an updated, state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center for the Town of North Branford, which currently operates with outdated and vintage 1970's technology. These new resources will translate into greater capabilities, better response and recovery coordination, and a more resilient community.

"I am excited to learn the news that the Town of North Branford is receiving this community project funding," said Chief of the North Branford Police Department Kevin Halloran. "It seems that we are receiving an increased number of severe weather alerts. Most recently, North Branford suffered extensive damage during storm ISAIAS. Our current EOC is antiquated with vintage technology. During the storm, we lost all communications including public safety radio, telephone, cellular, and the loss of 911 for approximately 48 hours which created an extremely dangerous condition for our first responders. Our vision is to use the EOC for community functions, such as community education and partnerships as well as a state of the art first responder training facility and provide a space for mental health and addiction counselors to provide further services to the community, when not activated for disasters and/or public health emergencies. North Branford is also home to Lake Gaillard which provides water for more than 500,000 customers of the Regional Water Authority in New Haven County. To have the tools and the space to effectively manage natural or manmade disasters is essential in North Branford."

$500,000— WALLINGFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY

This project will provide funding for the interior and exterior renovation of 2 Wharton Brook Drive, including kitchen and bathroom replacements, flooring, windows, and heating/cooling units as well as exterior components including roofing, siding, entry/exit doors, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant entrances and walkways, and revitalization improvements. These improvements will further build a sustainable and prosperous community where residents enjoy a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment.

"This community project funding will provide much-needed resources to create new affordable housing units as well as much-needed community space to support resident activities and stabilize the neighborhood," said Former Executive Director of the Wallingford Housing Authority Kelly McDermott. "After observing the property fall into further disrepair, the housing authority believes this project will ultimately promote community revitalization through the creation of much needed affordable housing in Wallingford."

As Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, which sets federal spending, Chair DeLauro is committed to meeting the needs of our communities in a transparent and accountable way. Under Appropriations Committee guidelines she developed, which have been praised by experts across the political spectrum, each Representative requested funding for up to ten projects in their community for fiscal year 2022. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding.

Chair DeLauro's statements on the full government funding package can be found here and here. Her floor remarks can be found here.

Additional information on Community Project Funding and the projects selected by Chair DeLauro, as well copies of required financial disclosures, are available here.