Bridgeport, CT— Representative Jim Himes (CT-04) announced the final list of projects he will submit for funding through both the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Member-Designated Projects process and Appropriations Committee Community Project Funding (CPF) process.

“My office has just completed an extensive process considering funding requests for programs and projects across our communities,” said Himes. “As the Representative for the entire Fourth District, I’m well positioned to evaluate the needs of different communities and ensure that funding goes where it’s needed most.  Over the past months, I’ve worked with local elected officials and community leaders to ensure the projects reflect the diversity of our district and will have the greatest possible impact.”

The projects submitted are:

Transportation and Infrastructure Requests (listed alphabetically)

• Bridgeport — $2,686,000 to update traffic signals and intersections to improve safety and traffic flow around Park Avenue
• Fairfield — $2,700,00 to fund the majority of the cost to replace the Mill River Bridge
• Greenwich — $2,530,000 to fund a large portion of the cost to replace the Greenwich Creek Bridge
• Norwalk — $2,860,000 to fund a majority of the cost of replacing the Five Mile River Bridge
• Ridgefield — $1,853,120 to fund a majority of the cost for pedestrian and bicycle improvements around the Branchville Transit Station
• Stamford — $3,500,000 to fund a portion of the large-scale renovation and improvements to the Stamford Transportation Center
• Trumbull — $1,464,000 to fund a majority of the cost of the rehabilitation of the Route 25 Bridge
• Wilton — $2,400,000 to fund a majority of the cost of the replacement of the Comstock Brook Bridge

“The transportation projects for which we are seeking funding include bicycle and pedestrian improvements, bridge rehabilitation and replacement, and updates to the Stamford Transportation Center,” continued Himes. “This funding will have a significant effect in moving these projects toward completion and improving the surrounding communities.”

The transportation recipients were selected from projects included on Connecticut’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, which is constituted of priority projects. In many cases, federal funding cannot account for more than 80% of the total cost of these projects.

Community Project Funding Requests (listed alphabetically)

• Center for Family Justice — $865,000 for physical site improvements and security upgrades to a shelter offering safe housing and services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence
• Charter Oak — $450,000 for the final phase of revitalization of the Lawnhill Terrace affordable housing complex
• City of Bridgeport — $2,187, 628 to provide security fencing and other development around Sikorsky Memorial Airport
• City of Norwalk — $1,400,000 for sidewalks and pedestrian improvement on West Rocks Road and France Street
• City of Stamford — $2,000,000 for sidewalk and pedestrian infrastructure improvements around schools and bus stops East End Neighborhood Revitalization Zone — $1,000,000 to support construction of a hydroponic farm and community outreach center offering nutrition, workforce development, and community support services.
• East End Neighborhood Revitalization Zone — $1,000,000 to support construction of a hydroponic farm and community outreach center offering nutrition, workforce development, and community support services.
• Housatonic Community College — $999,900 for the expansion of the advanced manufacturing training program
• Save the Sound — $475,000 for removal of the Dana Dam and subsequent ecological monitoring
• Town of Monroe — $190,000 to update, improve and replace STEM computer labs and PCs for K-12 students
• Town of Westport — $2,810,000 to support the dredging of the Saugatuck River*

*This request can’t officially be made until the President submits his FY2022 budget request.

“We received more than 50 applications for Community Project Funding this year,” continued Himes.  “The applicants we selected were based on immediate needs of the community and the impact that the funds could have toward helping these projects reach their goals. There are many worthy projects that still require funding, and I will continue to work with leaders on the federal, state, and local level to identify and secure necessary resources.”

Community Project Funding, which directs appropriations to specific projects, was brought back to the House Appropriations process in the current Congress under strict transparency and ethical guidelines. Members were limited to ten Community Project Funding meeting requests each. Every member submitting projects was also required to include a letter with each request stating that they do not have a financial interest in the project and publicly disclose their requests, among other requirements. In order to be eligible for Community Funding Projects, applicants had to be either state, local or tribal governments or non-profit organizations.

This press release was made possible by: