WEST HAVEN, CT — West Haven has been awarded a $1.2 million state grant as part of a funding package that benefits 22 environmentally contaminated properties in 17 towns, according to officials.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday that he has approved a series of state grants totaling $26.3 million that will be used to support the remediation and redevelopment of 130 acres of contaminated land throughout Connecticut, consisting of 22 properties located in 17 towns and cities.

The funds will support the communities with the costs of cleaning up these properties so they can be redeveloped and put back into productive use to support economic growth and housing needs.

The grants are being released through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program. These state investments are expected to leverage approximately $112.7 million in private investments, which is critical to bringing these 22 properties back into productive reuse.

“Nobody wants to have old, polluted, and blighted properties in their neighborhood that sit vacant for decades, especially when that land could be used to grow new businesses and create housing for people who need it,” Lamont said. “This state program enables us to partner with municipalities and developers to bring these lifeless properties back from the dead.”

See the grant details below:

• West Haven: $1,187,270 grant to abate hazardous building materials on the 1.53-acre property located at 66 Tetlow Street. The former elementary school will be the future site of the Shoreline Wellness Center and Behavioral Health Clinic that will provide mental healthcare services.

by: Jeff Derderian

Posted: Jun 14, 2024 / 06:39 PM EDT

Updated: Jun 14, 2024 / 06:39 PM EDT

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A pilot program designed to down on speeders in Connecticut’s work zones is permanent now.

It was a pilot program tested in different locations around the state. Special white SUVs were set up with cameras to monitor speeders as they drove by.

Gov. Ned Lamont recently signed legislation that will allow the Connecticut Department of Transportation to go out for bids to vendors who can install a system to check speeds.

Over a two-year period, more than 2000 crashes were reported in Connecticut. One driver, according to CTDOT, was clocked at going more than 100 mph in a work zone.

The first offense is a $75 fine. The CTDOT said it’s meant to be educational, not a money maker.

The hope is the new speed zone systems are in place by spring 2025.

Information via The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation

NEW LONDON, CT — The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation granted $1,250 scholarships to eight 2024 high school graduates in the region, the largest sum distributed
to date through the Foundation’s scholarship program. The program focuses on students who plan to contribute to Eastern CT’s economy and quality of life through their future career, and who have a demonstrated record of community engagement, academic achievement,
and financial need.

“The Chamber Foundation is proud to award $10,000 in scholarship funding to these deserving, outstanding youth this year, our largest sum granted to date,” said Louis Ziegler, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation’s Board of Directors. “We take great pride in supporting the up-and-coming workforce of Eastern Connecticut, fully aware of the profound impact they’re destined to have in our community as they pursue their aspirations and goals.”

Scholarship funding comes from generous local businesses and donors who support the Foundation’s annual Bowl-a-thon fundraiser, held each year at High Rollers Luxury Lanes and Lounge; this year’s event will be July 16. The Foundation also hosts an annual Holiday Gala each December.

The awardees are as follows:

Gianni Drab of Robert E. Fitch Senior High School, attending
Northeastern University

Stephanie Flores Aguilar of New London High School Multi
Magnet Campus, attending University of Connecticut

Aeracura Harney of Waterford High School, attending
Florida Institute of Technology

Brianna Harris of Robert E. Fitch Senior High School,
attending Eastern Connecticut State University

Grace Peil of Marine Science Magnet High School, attending
University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Ivan Rodriguez of New London High School, attending
University of Hartford

Alyssa Tomasso of Stonington High School, attending
Eastern Connecticut State University

Sadeya Zakaria of Norwich Free Academy, attending University
of Connecticut