Stimulus for Stratford and Shelton

For the past few months, I have been working with Governor Jodi Rell to ensure that Stratford and Shelton receive their fair share of stimulus funds from the federal government. Stratford is receiving funding of over $3 million for projects ranging from Stratford Train Station improvements to Long Beach West cleanup to money for the new Housatonic River Greenway. Shelton is receiving funding for a host of programs including Law Enforcement Initiatives, Energy Efficiency Projects, new traffic signals, and more.

Like many Americans, I have mixed feelings about the stimulus package. Obviously I am glad to receive funding for projects in our community, which will hopefully create jobs and improve the economy. However, I am worried about the massive size of stimulus (almost $800 billion dollars—more than $2,500 for every person in the United States), and the fact that we will be paying for today’s expenses for the next twenty years. However, the decision to move forward with the stimulus was made in Washington, and now it is up to those of us in Hartford to make sure the money is put to good work.

Connecticut is receiving two types of stimulus from Washington. First, we are receiving almost $2 billion in direct support for Medicaid and education. All of these funds are going to be used to close our $8 billion state deficit. These funds will ensure Stratford maintains the 21% increase and Shelton the 9% increase in state education funding we have received in the past two years. Second, Connecticut is receiving almost $800 million for “shovel-ready” projects, which are those that are designed, approved, and can start within a few months.

Stratford and Shelton are receiving numerous direct grants from this “shovel ready” funding that will help us with projects throughout our community:

Stratford grants include:
• Long Beach West Cleanup: $909,000
• Housatonic River Greenway : $750,000
• Public Housing Capital Improvements: $600,000
• Stratford Train Station Improvements: $300,000
• Energy Efficiency Projects: $200,000
• Community Development Fund: $200,000
• Law Enforcement Grants: $115,000
• Energy Efficiency Projects: $55,000
• Barnum Avenue Streetscape Improvements: $2,000,000
• New Traffic Signals

Shelton grants include:
• Train Station Improvements (Stratford and Shelton/Derby): $375,000
• Rental Assistance: $250,000
• Energy Efficiency Projects: $175,000
• Law Enforcement Grants: $21,000
• Road Repairs $600,000
• New Traffic Signals

Families will also benefit from several regional transportation grants from the federal stimulus bill. Over $70 million has been allocated for improvements to the Merritt parkway between Exits 46 and 48. The Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority has been granted $2.8 million for improvements to regional bus service. Almost $30 million has been allocated for the New Haven Rail Yard Component Shop, and $10 million will be spent on improvements to the New Haven Line Rail Stations. The region will also benefit from $123,816 granted to the Bridgeport Area Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

If you want more information on how Connecticut is using the federal stimulus package, visit the website www.recovery.ct.gov for details on how every dollar is being spent.

Although I have doubts about the overall wisdom of the federal stimulus, I will continue to ensure that Stratford and Shelton receive their fair share of funding. Working with Governor Rell, we will translate this large national initiative into local projects that can benefit our community.