Senator Boucher Announces Opportunities For Towns That May Benefit From Federal Stimulus Funds

Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) is urging local government officials to keep informed of funding opportunities available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

“While there is disagreement about whether or not Congress should have passed the stimulus bill, this federal money is flowing into Connecticut and communities may not wish to pass up opportunities to fund local projects that may be otherwise unaffordable in this economic climate. The reality is that these federal funds are the taxpayers’ money – and it is important to ensure that taxpayers in our communities benefit,” said Senator Boucher.

Information about the ARRA and how it affects Connecticut is available at www.recovery.ct.gov. The website includes information about funding opportunities, responses to frequently asked questions, and the latest news about ARRA in Connecticut. Connecticut is set to receive nearly $3 billion in federal stimulus funding. Public, private and non-profit organizations will have the chance to compete for more. ARRA funding is intended to support, retain, and create 40,000 jobs in Connecticut.

“Recently, Governor Rell announced that 143 communities, including every town in the 26th Senatorial District, are eligible for more than $9 million in federal stimulus funds for energy efficiency projects. However, towns must apply for their share of the funding, explain what they want to do with the money, and spend or commit to spending it within two years of the grant award. Furthermore, towns that join forces on regional energy efficiency projects will be able to apply for additional money from a bonus pool,” said Senator Boucher, adding that Governor Rell’s plan for distributing this funding will be the subject of a public hearing before the legislature’s Appropriations and Energy committees, and that the state must submit its block grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Energy by May 26th.

Towns in the 26th Senatorial District eligible for Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grants:

Senator Boucher noted that Governor M. Jodi Rell’s Recovery Working Group several weeks ago supported using $30 million in federal stimulus funds for the Danbury Branch Line Centralized Train Control Signalization Project, along with additional federal stimulus funds to make capital improvements at Metro North Train Stations including those in Westport, Greens Farms, Bethel, West Redding, Branchville, Cannondale, Wilton, New Canaan and Talmadge Hill.

“It is important to note some benefits are derived from Connecticut’s share of the federal stimulus money, even when individual towns or projects are not eligible for specific funding programs. For example, there are towns in the 26th Senatorial District that are not on the list to get direct funding from the $48 million in federal stimulus money just announced to repair and update aging water and sewer infrastructure. However, projects awarded in direct funding to our major cities will provide jobs and lead to cleaner water for everyone. Protecting the public water supply is a good thing for our state,” said Senator Boucher, adding that constituents who have concerns or questions should contact her at 1-800-842-1421, or via e-mail to [email protected]. You may also learn more by visiting my web page at www.senaterepublicans.ct.gov.