Senator Kane Applauds Awarding Of Federal Stimulus Grant To Roxbury

Senator Rob Kane (R-32) said he is gratified that Roxbury is among the Connecticut communities awarded federal stimulus funds for local prevention and public safety.

Governor M. Jodi Rell recently announced that the town will receive a $9,100 grant to purchase an automatic external defibrillator (AED), ballistic shield, camera with security enclosure and rubber speed bumps.

According to the Governor’s office, Roxbury is one of 36 Connecticut communities to benefit from this round of federal stimulus funding. To date, the Governor’s office stated that 79 cities and towns have received $2.1 million in federal stimulus crime prevention grants and all 169 municipalities are eligible. The state Office of Policy and Management is administering the program and expects to have all grants awarded by October 1st.

“This is excellent news for the town of Roxbury. Public safety is important and the use of federal funds for this purpose is a worthwhile investment in our communities,” said Senator Kane.

This year, Senator Kane co-sponsored two laws regarding the use of automatic external defibrillators, which are portable automatic devices used to restore normal heart rhythm to people having heart attacks. One new law includes provisions requiring each school to have an AED, if funding is available, and school staff trained in its use (Public Act 09-94). A second new law which takes effect October 1st (PA 09-59) provides immunity in a lawsuit for damages from a person’s or entity’s negligence in providing or maintaining an AED. This immunity does not apply to gross, willful or wanton negligence. Existing law already provides immunity for those rendering assistance.

For more information on these law enforcement grants and the awarding of federal stimulus funds to Connecticut: visit the state’s official Web site at: www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link.