Connecticut, United States Of America – The Connecticut River, Hartford, and surrounding areas have a chain of new projects in the pipeline that are set for a strong economic statement and stance for infrastructure needs in the region.

The project, estimated to come in at approximately $800 Million (+-200,000 Mil.), is just one of many projects on the way through a very concentrated and surgical outcome. The results come from years of work that had State Leaders out for public comment, professional and departmental input and public collaboration for years. Now set or underway through a well defined pipeline for the City, surrounding neighborhoods, towns, region and overall… the State Of Connecticut.

On the heels of the Connecticut Leader’s political and populous strides, the social environmental infrastructure collateral needs of the region, and the State and private interests have seemed to push forward a much needed redevelopment, cleanup and revitalization of a once – hopefully – now temporary, depleted or overdrawn areas with critical economic social integration needs. Maximizing return of a regional missing link to compliment, support and in turn spur expanded future other private future investments.

The projects, development, including the collaborative public insights which were carefully sought throughout the lengthy processes of Request For Information, Qualifications, Comments and Input span a multitude of infrastructure projects in the region, the shore and off shore.

All the projects are very welcomed, possibly even a desperate immediate and overdue need. Tapping the once untapped areas, talent and resources needed for a proper integration and collaborative connected community to thrive now and in the future. Things seem to be taking off and coming together.

With the support of citizens, state leaders and in addition, including many local investors and taxpayer investment – the future looks bright for the citizens, employees, businesses and on the construction and permanent fronts of employment and other new investment. Collaterally the child up educational, workforce reinforcement pipelines, education and career opportunities for all involved and throughout the regions will be absorbed locally and infidelity thereafter.

You could say these investments are “just in time” or possibly you could say… “on schedule with real time critical and societal needs all around to be met.”

Players in the local construction, design and local logistics industries from across the State of Connecticut and one as far as Texas have come together with regional stakeholders for the major improvement, investment and project development requirements.

Not the only project in the region…. a long list of other accompanying projects both ahead and right behind are on the board and pipeline. Check out the end of the article for details and resources on those projects and additional updates on the off-shore article updates this week.

The long term impressive goals of the cities and towns made recent grand strides followed through by Connecticut State leaders as they strive to bring atmosphere, revitalization, social infrastructure & healthy growing environments to the region, investing in local talent and potential.

In addition the region has seen tremendous support from the State’s new initiatives and support departments tackling valuable technological education and availability of products and equipment that give edge to local development and product advancement like aerospace or other leading tech manufacturing.

It has not gone unnoticed by manufacturers and also the much needed education availability and distribution of new reinvestment grants, training opportunities, demos and technology know how needed.

It has been a priority for the State outreach individuals attracting small to medium sized businesses, expansion needs, collaboration, sourcing and evolution requirements. Grant offerings for new era equipment, automation, and additive manufacturing such as for volumetric dispersion molding or forming and 3D Printing needs, CNC or Laser powered or guided requirements for manufactures across the state. Products that will advance research, development and the opportunity for advancement to meet or exceed applicable international industry requirements, standard specifications or other local authoritative specifications.

With the ability to grow and expand into new markets. Whether autonomy or factory line automation and robotics the feedback and social energy appears to be a tremendous success.

Most recently other notable milestones are the The Department of Defense’s Office of Industrial Base Policy (IBP), through its Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) office. They announced they joined forces with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) in East Hartford, Connecticut to design, develop, provide, and operate a Northeast regional end-to-end digital thread laboratory. Strapped with a $7.1 million contract to CCAT to fully leverage data-driven digital capabilities while improving the cost-effectiveness and responsiveness of commercial production to meet DoD needs.

The Digital Thread Manufacturing Prototype Project (or “DTM”), led by MCEIP’s Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) office, will promote and speed the adoption of advanced technologies, skilled workforce development, and the integration of digital tools (especially in-situ sensors and metrology capabilities) by current and prospective defense manufacturers. Highly complimenting other area goals in tandem.

The new overall stated estimated $850 million dollar development project is not only attractive but it adds much needed restorations and reclamation for the City, River and neighborhoods while adding beautiful walk-ability and livability initiatives much needed for a long period of time.

The reclaim project sets eyes on nearly 30 acres that are needed on both sides of the Connecticut River and what is or now called “Founders Plaza” creating the largest investment in nearly 50 years that will propel plans of potential future perpetual success across the region.

A key component of the proposal is the pedestrian bridge across the river. The new bridge would connect the existing walkway on the Founders Bridge and the Riverwalk in Hartford back to East Hartford.

Improvements along 8 acres of the East Hartford riverfront would include a promenade built on top on top of the existing river dike — in the spirit of New York’s High Line — completing a 1.3-mile loop for pedestrians and bicyclists. The existing boat launch and recreation areas in Great River Park would remain and be upgraded.

The scope of Port Eastside is ambitious, even “daunting” as stated by project stakeholders. It faced and still faces significant hurdles, including approximately an aggregated closing of $100 million in state and federal funding — $55 million for the bridge alone — plus $42 million for the greenway and $3 million for new transit center tucked under a mid-rise apartment tower.

The transit center would accommodate buses, bicycles, shuttles and other modes of transportation. In addition, the town of East Hartford would have rights to final approval of the $45 million contract with a tax incremental financing contract residual; an agreement to build a 1,000-space parking garage that would be hidden behind a structure to buffer it from the river. Such a financing agreement allows governments to use taxes on future gains in real estate values to pay for new infrastructure and capital improvements, requirements or expansions.

A consortium led by some of Connecticut’s most locally famous industry veterans – business people and outfits – will be building the development along the Connecticut River. The project boasts 1,000 apartments, 300,000 square feet of commercial space, medical zones and improved transportation links.

Port Eastside LLC paid $4 million for a low-rise office building on 7.3 acres at 99 Founders Plaza, advancing the ambitious plan to rehabilitate the roughly 50-year-old Founders Plaza.

Port Eastside intends to demolish this structure, as well as the former Red Thread property and a deteriorating parking garage, and then conveying the adjacent properties to create a roughly 30-acre development site along the river.

The proposal would include up to four mid- to high-rise apartment buildings, a 100,000-square-foot medical center, retail and commercial buildings, and would be served by a new transportation hub, an elevated greenway, and a new pedestrian bridge over the Connecticut River into Hartford.

Set to begin demolition late this year or early in 2024, with restoration and construction beginning soon after and will continue in stages or possible budget milestone “phases”. The full project might be completed in 5-7 Years and as we obtain additional review insights including progress updates and schedule details we will cover those updates.

Partners Of The Project & Stakeholders appear to span from A Minimum Of:

Martin Kenny and development companies (recently passed away), LAZ Parking to Hoffman Auto Group Co-Chairman Jeffrey S. Hoffman; Manafort Brothers Inc. President Jim Manafort; Peter S. Roisman, head of Texas based REV; and Figure 8 Properties principals Harris and Bruce Simons. MBH Architecture President Nicholas P. Michnevitz III is leading AIA of record of the project.

East Hartford is expected to contribute about $45 million, either through the tax finance arrangement or an improvement district, to help cover the costs of developing a new parking garage. With either option, a percentage of the additional taxes collected from the development would be used to reduce expenses or other residual public reinvestment or future requirement needs.

The East Hartford Town Council, Director of Economic and Community Development Alexandra Daum, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Commissioner of Revenue Services Mark Boughton, U.S. Representative John Larson, D-1st District, and members of East Hartford’s legislative delegation have all been involved along with many others in collaboration on a slew of other Statewide projects and initiatives.

Leaders have been at the forefront of RFQ’s and public insight gathering needs from across professionals and local community citizen stakeholders on the enormous magnitude of spanning projects.

Investors are requesting $45 million through the tax arrangement with the Town of East Hartford and roughly another $100 million from state and federal sources for transit linkages, including the striking pedestrian bridge across the river, so the idea will need strong continued political support.

In order to create a destination that will fit in well with the Connecticut Convention Center, Connecticut Science Center, Front Street Entertainment District, and other offerings just on the west side of the river, Port Eastside supporters are looking to attract amusement and entertainment venues to commercial buildings planned for the site.

The Colt Armory Complex development in Hartford will be close to the site of the proposed pedestrian bridge. It will create a loop that connects venues for entertainment, the arts, education, and dining on both sides of the river when combined with riverside walks and the pedestrian bridge at the Founders Bridge.

The design includes a transportation hub with stops for rental electric scooters, LAZ Parking vans to Bradley International Airport, and CTfastrak buses connecting to an upgraded greenway.

The Capital Region Development Authority and the State Bond Commission have given their approval for $6.5 million to help defray the price of demolishing the site’s current structures. A development agreement with the town as well as additional agreements for regional, national, and local incentives will need to be obtained by the development team.

There is strong political impetus behind the proposal. However, the project still has a long way to go before closings of financing and final other approvals, but with the strong private backing and amount of firms involved we do not currently see a risk on that front.

This week’s purchase is a significant commitment by a well known group of corporate outfits along with an outstanding development and design team which is making a tremendous statement of confidence in the deal.

Read More About Previous & Future Projects In The Area Below:

Nearby Community Funding Projects

Community Project Funding Requests – Fiscal Year 2024

Rep. Larson has submitted funding requests for important community projects in CT-01 to the House Appropriations Committee.

Under guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request funding for up to 15 projects in their community for fiscal year 2024 – although only a handful may actually be funded. 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.

In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Rep. Larson has certified that he, his spouse, and his immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects he has requested.

Projects are listed in alphabetical order by Project Title.

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title:  Downtown for All
Amount of Request: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: Town of Manchester, 41 Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040.
Explanation of Request: The Downtown Manchester Improvements Project seeks to transform the Main Street corridor between Center Street and Hartford Road into an accessible, vibrant and equitable “Complete Street” through a comprehensive design that includes traffic and pedestrian/bicycle safety improvements, additional public gathering spaces, and enhanced streetscape complemented with strategic private development. The Project will make Main Street safer and friendlier to users of all modes of transportation, including, but not limited to, pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders and make downtown more economically viable.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title:  Downtown Streetlight Retrofit/Replacement
Amount of Request: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: Town of East Hartford, 740 East Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108
Explanation of Request: These funds would be used to replace 104 streetlights on Main Street in the Downtown East Hartford area with new, energy-efficient models that will enhance the area’s aesthetics, increase public safety and save taxpayers money through energy savings.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title:  East Hartford Post Office Acquisition and Renovation
Amount of Request: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: Town of East Hartford, 740 East Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used for renovating the
historic downtown post office building as an annex to the Raymond Library. The project is an
appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the site will require significant environmental
assessment and possible remediation and the building needs to be brought up to current buildingcode, including ADA accessibility.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title:  Housing and Streetscape Revitalization, and Pent Road Gateway Infrastructure Improvements
Amount of Request: $1,825,000
Intended Recipient: Goodwin University, One Riverside Dr., CT, 06118
Explanation of Request: These funds would be used to rehabilitate residential housing units, provide safety improvements through streetlight and parking lot light conversions, make road repairs, and provide streetscaping to increase the economic viability of the area. As an anchor institution to East Hartford, Goodwin University’s work will make East Hartford a more vibrant community.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title:  La Bodeguita de la Gente
Amount of Request: $250,000
Intended Recipient: La Bodeguita de la Gente, 287 Collins St, Hartford, CT 06105
Explanation of Request: These funds would be used to acquire a facility necessary to run a food pantry that will serve families in a disadvantaged community. It will primarily serve these families with food, diapers, and clothing. They will also connect these families to any service they might qualify for and also present educational workshops on domestic violence and other subjects.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/DOT/Federal Highway Administration
Project Title:Main Street Complete Streets (East Hartford)
Amount of Request: $10,000,000
Intended Recipient: Connecticut Department of Transportation, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
Explanation of Request: This project proposes to implement complete streets strategies to reduce vehicles speeds, provide more efficient traffic flow, improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, address parking needs and enhance transit amenities within the corridor. The project will improve safety for all users and reduce congestion along Main Street to support existing businesses and enhance economic development with the corridor. This project has been identified as one of the many early action projects of the Greater Hartford Mobility Study which is being undertaken by the Department to develop a comprehensive program to improve the transportation system and address mobility within the region.
Federal Nexus: 23 U.S.C. § 133(b).
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title:  Mallory View Affordable Housing Infrastructure
Amount of Request: $1,600,000
Intended Recipient: Barkhamsted Housing Trust, Inc., 25 East West Hill Rd, Barkhamsted, CT 06063.
Explanation of Request: Funds would be spent on infrastructure costs for an affordable housing project that will consist of 20 new construction units of affordable rental housing with a range of apartment sizes and income affordability. The infrastructure work includes: site clearing and grading; water, sewer and other utilities installation; retaining walls; installation of roadway and parking areas.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title:  Mercy Housing and Shelter Rehabilitation
Amount of Request: $1,500,000
Intended Recipient: Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation, 221 Main Street, 4th Floor, Hartford, CT 06106
Explanation of Request: Funds would be used for rehabilitation and capital improvements at Mercy’s four Hartford service sites which offer a full continuum of services to end homelessness.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: North Main Street Corridor Drainage System
Amount of Request: $6,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Hartford, 550 Main St., Hartford, CT 06103
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used for remediating the drainage system affecting the North Main Street corridor in northeast Hartford, with the most significant impacts felt for residents of the Stowe Village, a Hartford Housing Authority development.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title:  Phillips Bussiness Complex Rehabilitation
Amount of Request: $2,500,000
Intended Recipient:  Phillips Metropolitan CME Church, 2500 Main St., Hartford, CT 06120
Explanation of Request: The Phillips Bussiness Complex is a 3,300 S/F, three story commercial office building, built in 1968. Located in the north end community of Hartford Connecticut, the building houses a mix of commercial and non-profit bushiness that provide a range of services to those in need of workforce and career readiness training, home and business repairs. The nature of this project entails the need for infrastructure improvements and upgrades for roofing, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, flooring and painting.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: Rehabilitation of the Hockanum River Linear Trail
Amount of Request: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: Town of East Hartford, 740 East Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108
Explanation of Request: This funding would provide replacement wooden decking for all of the existing trail sections. The project is also anticipated to include a new pedestrian footbridge between the trail and a historic mill building that is slated for redevelopment. Last, trail markers will be installed to allow callers to identify their location along the trail when making emergency service calls. Finally, emergency “blue light” phones will be installed at select locations along the trail and the parking areas to improve safety for all trail users.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title:  Riverlink
Amount of Request: $12,000,000
Intended Recipient: The iQuilt Partnership, Hartford, CT, 06103
Explanation of Request: RiverLink is a proposed new bike/pedestrian bridge to connect North Hartford to Riverside Park and the Connecticut River waterfront. The existing facility is poorly designed and does not meet contemporary standards. Its steep and repetative ramping system up five flights is uncomfortable for bicycles and does not comply with ADA (which was adopted after the bridge was constructed). There is also an open 5-story staircase on each end. The open fencing on the ramps and along the bridge provides no protection from the interstate noise and provides little sense of security. The bridge’s design is a deterrent to all users, and there is very little pedestrian or bike traffic, despite the lack of other direct river access routes from North Hartford. The existing bridge’s institutional, not to say penitentiary, appearance, is inappropriate and unacceptable as a river gateway for the North Hartford community.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Commerce Justice Science/DOJ/Office of Justice Programs
Project Title:  Victim Impact for Justice
Amount of Request: $500,000
Intended Recipient: Mothers United Against Violence, 2550 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06120
Explanation of Request: The Victim Impact for Justice Project works directly with the Police Department to provide support for victims of violence. They work to alleviate community concerns and anxieties associated with working with the system, and in doing so support the work of the police in their efforts to disrupt violent crime in Hartford.
Federal Nexus: 34 U.S.C. § 10152.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title:  Village at Park River Homeownership
Amount of Request: $5,000,000
Intended Recipient: Connecticut Housing and Development Corporation (“CHADCO”), 180 John D. Wardlaw Way, Hartford, CT 06106
Explanation of Request: The Village at Park River is a multi-phase initiative aimed at redeveloping and revitalizing the former location of Westbrook Village, a post-war, public housing development located in the Blue Hills neighborhood in Hartford. Having cleared and remediated the full 40-acre site, the development team has completed and leased 200 new mixed-income and affordable rental units across the project’s first three phases. Nearly 200 more rental units are under development on a site plan that includes a Community Building, playground, landscaped walking paths, and more. Federal funds would be used to finance construction of Village at Park River’s next phase, which will meet a major goal for the State and City: homeownership opportunities.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title:  Winsted Veterans Center
Amount of Request: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: Winsted Health Center Foundation, 115 Spencer St., Windsor, CT 06098
Explanation of Request: The proposed development is to transform the Winsted Health Center campus into a vibrant live/work/wellness center responding especially to the needs of, and offering opportunities to those local/regional residents of northwest Connecticut presently underserved or marginalized by converting the former Winsted Memorial Hospital (originally constructed in 1957) into supportive housing for veterans. The project will provide stable, affordable housing for veterans located in Litchfield County with a total of 40 affordable housing units; 20 studios ,13 1- bedroom and 7 2-bedroom apartment units. Federals funds will be spent on the maker space construction and supportive equipment. Equipment will include materials that will sustain a machine shop, carpentry workspace, an evolving technology center and various other education/coworking spaces.
Federal Nexus: 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a)(1)
Signed Disclosure Letter

_________________________

Community Project Funding Requests – Fiscal Year 2023

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/Department of Transportation/Highway Infrastructure Projects
Project Title: Broad Street Complete Streets Improvement Project
Amount of Request: $3 million
Intended Recipient: Town of Windsor, located at 275 Broad Street, Windsor, CT 06095
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to reduce the two lanes of travel through Windsor Center into one lane of travel while maintaining circulation and traffic capacities, otherwise known as a “Road Diet”. The overall goal is to reshape Windsor Center to become more pedestrian friendly and to add vitality to the downtown. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because reconfiguring Broad Street in Windsor Center will support local businesses by slowing traffic down, adding on-street parking, and creating a friendly and safe environment for pedestrians.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Labor, Health & Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies/Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration, Training, and Employment Services
Project Title: The Brother Carl Institute for Workforce and Career Readiness
Amount of Request: $1,322,539
Intended Recipient: Hartford Communities That Care, located at 2550 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06120
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to train and employ school-aged youth and adults ages 17-35 to become Violence Prevention Professionals (VPPs). Across the state of Connecticut and certainly here in the Greater Hartford area, VPPs are few in numbers and in high demand to address community and inter-personal violence. Additionally, Public Safety careers in the Fire Safety services shows a large gap between citizens of color and representation in the Fire Service. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because according to the Giffords Law Center, the law enforcement and healthcare costs alone associated with a single gun related homicide are $488,0000 and more than $71,000 for each non-fatal shooting. In Connecticut, more than 85% of gunshot victims are on Medicaid or are Medicaid-eligible, meaning taxpayers are footing the vast majority of these bills.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: Charter Oak Landing park infrastructure
Amount of Request: $1,010,000
Intended Recipient: City of Hartford, located at 550 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to complete required work to address seasonal flooding that takes its toll on the infrastructure of this important community gathering place, including wharf deck replacement and structural repairs, dock deck replacement and structural repairs, guard rail replacement, parking lot erosion, and gazebo repair and entrance gate replacement. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because Charter Oak Landing is a park that is used by the community for recreation, picnics, fishing and launching boats, as well as community events and celebrations. The park is open to the public and receives heavy usage throughout the year.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: Church Corner Rehabilitation
Amount of Request: $6 million
Intended Recipient: Town of East Hartford, located at 740 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to rehabilitate the Church Corner’s Inn into high-quality one-bedroom housing with a set-aside for low-income and veteran tenants. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the building has fallen into disrepair and is a major source of service calls for the health, police, and fire departments. The property is for sale, and the owner is amenable to selling it to the Town for rehabilitation purposes.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Labor, Health & Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies/Fund for Improvement in Postsecondary Education/Department of Education
Project Title: Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library Community History Project in Partnership with Connecticut Institutions of Higher Education
Amount of Request: $1.5 million
Intended Recipient: Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library, 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT 06105
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to uplift and preserve the histories of diverse communities by working with the state’s colleges and universities to advance the use of community history in postsecondary education. The project leverages a three-city pilot project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services into a statewide initiative to develop a collection of artifacts, including photos, first-hand accounts, and other such documentation to accurately catalogue the experience of living through a modern-day pandemic from the perspective of all segments of Connecticut’s diverse population. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because preserving community history is an essential part of building healthy communities and sustaining our nation’s democracy.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies/NIST Construction of Research Facilities—Extramural Construction
Project Title: Connecticut Manufacturing Technology & Innovation Center
Amount of Request: $25 million
Intended Recipient: Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, 222 Pitkin Street, Suite 101, East Hartford, CT 06108
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is for the new “Connecticut Manufacturing Technology & Innovation Center,” which will be home to CCAT’s new headquarters, R&D facilities, and existing programs, providing additional capacity for the organization and the State of Connecticut to expand its research capabilities and scale-up current programming. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will be a shared resource and asset for all of Connecticut’s advanced manufacturing entities and key stakeholders to utilize.The R&D and associated workforce development activities conducted at the Center will support the economic competitiveness of the U.S. manufacturing sector, as well as contribute to significant job growth and technology development. 
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: Connecticut Trolley Museum Facility Upgrades & Visitor Enhancements
Amount of Request: $1.2 million
Intended Recipient: Connecticut Electric Railway Association, Inc. dba Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 North Road, East Windsor, CT 06088
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to correct site drainage issues and pave parking lots, improve front area grounds, refurbish the Visitor Center, complete maintenance work on railway lines, and refurbish the trolley car storage barn to move forward the goal of developing the Trolley Museum into a living history museum. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because with over 30,000 visitors per year, these improvements will allow this 80-year-old museum to continue to serve the public and expand their reach.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: East Hartford Post Office acquisition and renovation
Amount of Request: $4 million
Intended Recipient: Town of East Hartford, located at East Hartford Town Hall, 740 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to renovate the historic downtown post office building as an annex to the Raymond Library. Once renovated, the building will include facilities for the library’s new ARPA-funded digital navigation program (Get Online), as well as offices and meeting space for East Hartford CONNects, and satellite classrooms for East Hartford Adult Education. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because reusing the historic Post Office building maintains the character of East Hartford’s Downtown Main Street Historic District while supporting pandemic recovery and fostering community resiliency.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: East-West River Links
Amount of Request: $2.4 million
Intended Recipient: iQuilt Partnership, located at 31 Pratt Street, 5^th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to advance key components of Hartford 400, a river-centered vision for the Connecticut Valley and its Capital City. Hartline is a 6-mile linear park that is a dedicated pedestrian/bikeway comprised of three segments. The conversion of a rail to trail (5 miles), protected bike lane through city streets (.5 mile) and the Riverlink (a 1/2-mile elevated pedestrian/bikeway bridge). The linear park connects multiple communities to the Connecticut Riverfront and will help overcome historic infrastructure barriers that have limited opportunities and development in North Hartford. Following on the planning and preliminary engineering for the Hartline and Riverlink (in 2021 and 2022) this funding will allow the project to proceed through engineering/design to construction documents. The second component focuses on transforming the river’s east-west bridge crossings – two existing (Bulkeley and Founders) and two new (Coltsville and South) – into walkable, bikeable street bridges that knit together the nine towns of the Capital City. The project will place strong emphasis on transit linkages, including eastward expansion of CT Fastrak, and on the growing regional network of bike/pedestrian paths and trails. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because this project is in line with the region’s goals of greater mobility, increased social equity, economic growth, and becoming a better place to play and live.    
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Labor, Health & Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies/Fund for Improvement in Postsecondary Education/Department of Education
Project Title: Educating for Democracy Project
Amount of Request: $1 million
Intended Recipient: Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library, 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT 06105
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is promote civic knowledge and skills, civic values and dispositions, and civic behaviors to ensure that K-12 students are equipped with “21st-century skills” such as critical thinking, analysis and reflection, dialogue, and effectively navigating an increasingly digital world. The project is a partnership of nonprofit community stakeholders designed to teach history and advance Civics Education with K-12 students using primary source material housed in the state’s museums and historic sites. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because there is an emerging consensus among scholars and historians that robust civics education and the resulting community engagement is critical to a well-functioning and sustainable democracy. Evidence suggests that students who receive high quality civic education are more likely to understand public issues, view political engagement as a means of addressing communal challenges, and participate in civic activities.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Energy and Water/US Army Corps of Engineers
Project Title: Hartford and East Hartford flood control systems
Amount of Request: $2,140,000
Intended Recipient: City of Hartford, 550 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to fund the study needed to recommend modifications to Hartford and East Hartford’s levee systems along the Connecticut River. The Army Corps of Engineers has identified serious deficiencies that will require significant repairs if these aging systems are going to hold up. On the Hartford side alone, the system protects a significant portion of the city’s grand list including prime commercial, institutional, and residential real estate. Failure of the levees would jeopardize the I-84/I-91 interchange, the state’s largest wastewater treatment plant, and other critical infrastructure for the region. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the impact of a failure in the system could mean loss of life and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Financial Services and General Government/Small Business Administration/Small Business Initiatives
Project Title: Hispanic Federation Financial Education Initiative
Amount of Request: $650,000
Intended Recipient: Hispanic Federation, 175 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to offer culturally and linguistically (Spanish/English) relevant workshop training in three Hands-on Banking modules: Basics of Banking Services, Money Management Tools and Tips, and Using Credit to Your Advantage.  In addition, HF will continue to use a COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 frame to discuss these tools as Latino families and nonprofits as they navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: Laurel Marsh Trail Improvements
Amount of Request: $3 million
Intended Recipient: Town of Manchester, located at 41 Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to remove and replace approximately 1,300 linear feet of elevated timber boardwalk structures throughout Laurel Marsh Park in Manchester. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because a large portion of the trail had to be closed to the public recently due to the unsafe condition of the trail’s elevated boardwalk structures. The timber structures were built over 30 years ago and have deteriorated to the point of making them unsafe. Replacement of the boardwalk structures are needed to make the trail fully accessible again.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Labor, Health & Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies/Fund for Improvement in Postsecondary Education/Department of Education
Project Title: Mobile Manufacturing Lab and Nursing Program Enhancements and Scholarships
Amount of Request: $5,148,596
Intended Recipient: Goodwin University, 1 Riverside Drive, East Hartford, CT 06118
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to increase capacity in two workforce tracts: ADVANCED MANUFACTURING: GU owns the Mobile Manufacturing Lab (MML), a state-of-the-art mobile classroom and the only one of its kind in Connecticut. It is self-powered and climate-controlled, with a Wi-Fi hotspot, computer projection and overhead speaker capability. It is utilized for workshops with middle and high school students and incumbent worker training workshops at employment sites. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because GU’s Nursing program technology is at least 15 years behind what is currently available, yet Connecticut has an aging workforce, with 26% workers over the age of 55, and therefore likely to be nearing retirement soon, compared to a 22% rate nationally. These gaps need to be filled with new, skilled employees.
Signed Disclosure Letter

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: Victim Impact Project
Amount of Request: $500,000
Intended Recipient: Mothers United Against Violence (MUAV), located at 2550 Main Street, Hartford CT, 06120
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to direct support to underserved families who have been impacted by violence in the Greater Hartford area. The program works directly with police to provide support to families as they navigate the criminal justice system and intends to help to reduce the trauma individuals face every day. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the City of Hartford has experiences more than 479 homicides since 2003, most often a result of gun violence.
Signed Disclosure Letter

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Community Project Funding Requests – Fiscal Year 2022

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: La Bodeguita De La Gente
Amount of Request: $250,000
Intended Recipient: Connecticut Food Bank, located at 450 Woodland Ave. Bloomfield, CT 06002
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to address food insecurity and other impacts of poverty in Hartford. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because Connecticut Food Bank has a proven record of success in feeding Connecticut and La Bodeguita De La Gente is a ground up initiative with a demonstrated ability to serve and respond to the needs of a population that is often under-served.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: Colt Park Structure Rehabilitation
Amount of Request: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Hartford, located at Hartford City Hall, 550 Main St., Hartford CT 06103
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to restore the Colt Gardner’s Cottage and Colt Carriage House. These structures will add to the historic nature of Colt Park and will create amenities for visitors of the park and residents in Hartford. By integrating these into the park, it will ensure that they are free and open for any and all taxpayers to use. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will further a long time local and federal priority to preserve the Coltsville Historic District. The National Park Service has concluded remedial action is needed to prevent further deterioration of the Gardner’s College.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Financial Services and General Government/Small Business Administration/Small Business Initiatives
Project Title: Connecticut Manufacturing & Technology CommUNITY eCommons
Amount of Request: $900,000
Intended Recipient: Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, located at 222 Pitkin Street, Suite 101, East Hartford CT 06108
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to reinvent the workforce talent pipeline for small businesses post-COVID-19 and provide centralized and common resources that will reinvest in workers and small businesses. This approach will focus on broadening participation within Connecticut communities to help jumpstart an equitable recovery for Black and Latino communities and small businesses, among the hardest hit by the pandemic. This project is a good use of taxpayer funds because it will connect small businesses that have workforce development needs with the population of displaced or underemployed workers in Connecticut. It will also connect small businesses to share common resources to upskill/train new and existing workers, in addition to adopting new technologies that will improve their competitiveness.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: East Hartford Downtown Post Office Acquisition
Amount of Request: $600,000
Intended Recipient: Town of East Hartford, located at 740 Main St, East Hartford, CT, 06108
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to purchase the former East Hartford Post Office, allowing the town to redevelop the property. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the current status of the building (protected with barb fencing and minimally upkept) is an eyesore and attractive nuisance that is hindering development in what should be a desirable part of town. By purchasing the building for future redevelopment, the town can turn what is currently a hinderance on the area into an attractive asset.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Labor HHS/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/ Health Survelliance and Program Support
Project Title: Hartford Care Response Team-Violence Prevention Enhancement
Amount of Request: $624,919
Intended Recipient: Hartford Communities That Care, located at 2550 Main Street, Third Floor, Hartford, CT 06120
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to address the increase in gun violence in the Hartford area through an investment in hospital-based violence intervention. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because Hartford Communities That Care is a respected community organization with a track record of success in breaking the cycle of victims re-engaging in violence or being re-injured.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Energy and Water/US Army Corps of Engineers
Project Title: Hartford and East Hartford United States Army Corps of Engineers Feasibility Report
Amount of Request: $2,340,000
Intended Recipient: City of Hartford
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is for the United States Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study to address known deficiencies in the Hartford and East Hartford Flood Damage Reduction System.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: Hartford400
Amount of Request: $900,000
Intended Recipient: iQuilt Partnership, located at Innovation Center, 24 Central Row, Hartford CT, 06103.
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to advance the work of the Hartford 400 project and ensure they are able to continue operation. This is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because they are working with the community to develop a vision for the Hartford region that will reconnect neighborhoods, update an outdated transportation network, create jobs, and repair flood control systems in desperate need of repair.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: Rehabilitation of Hockanum River Linear Park Trail
Amount of Request: $700,000
Intended Recipient: Town of East Hartford, located at 740 Main St, East Hartford, CT, 06108
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to repair segments of the Hockanum River Linear Park Trail, a significant public facility that provides a variety of benefits to citizens and visitors alike. Rehabilitation of the trail will enhance the facility, improve safety for all trail users, and reduce future damage by floodwater. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because without work, the trail condition will likely worsen, with sections closing to protect public safety. As a result, prior investment in developing the trail will be lost.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: Riverfront Park
Amount of Request: $900,000
Intended Recipient: City of Hartford, located at Hartford City Hall, 550 Main St., Hartford CT 06103
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to improve access to greenspace and the Connecticut River. This is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it will have a positive impact on community and economic health for all residents of Hartford, especially those living in the north end. Riverfront Recapture has a strong track record of kickstarting adjacent economic development around their parks and trails. Since their founding in 1981, Major development around Riverfront Recapture parks has included Hartford’s Front Street District, the Connecticut Convention Center, and Connecticut Science Center. In 2015, Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development estimated the value of recently completed, under construction, approved or in the pipeline projects, within walking distance of Riverfront Recapture parks at $1,134,100,000.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here

Subcommittee/Account/Agency: Transportation HUD/HUD/Economic Development Initiatives
Project Title: Victim Impact project
Amount of Request: $300,000
Intended Recipient: Mothers United Against Violence (MUAV), located at 2550 Main Street, Hartford CT, 06120
Explanation of Request: The purpose of this project is to provide direct support to victims of gun violence, ensuring they are able to navigate the legal system in a way that reduces their mental stress and trauma. This is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because the Hartford area is in the midst of a spike in gun violence. Mothers United Against Violence has spent over 18 years working to reduce the level of crime, trauma and mental health issues in their communities.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here

Member-Designated Transportation Projects

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) and Chairman Peter DeFazio announced the T&I Committee will formally accept requests for projects from House Members.

The T&I Committee process for considering member projects is separate and distinct from the House Committee on Appropriations’ process for considering Community Project Funding requests. Projects funded through the surface transportation authorization will be funded directly from the Highway Trust Fund, and they do not require a separate or subsequent appropriation.

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Project Eligibility

Capital projects eligible under title 23, United States Code, and chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, are eligible for funding requests under T&I’s project submission process.

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Transparency

The project submitted by Congressman Larson to the T&I Committee is posted below. Members will be required to certify that neither they nor their immediate family have a financial interest in the requests made.

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Project Requested

Project Sponsor: Connecticut Department of Transportation
Project Name/Location: Greater Hartford Mobility Study – Planning and Preliminary Engineering
Hartford/East Hartford, CT
Requested Amount: $16 million