Joan Hartley

Waterbury Legislators Tout $1 Million In Bond Funding For Public Safety Iniative In City

The City of Waterbury will receive $1 million for its public safety initiative to install security cameras, speed bumps and flashing crosswalk signs after bond funding was approved Friday by the State Bond Commission at its July meeting.

State Rep. Michael DiGiovancarlo (D-Waterbury), who represents the 74th District and is a police officer in the city, led the effort with the Waterbury delegation to secure the bond funding.

“I am beyond happy to see these vital funds for Waterbury’s public safety approved by the State Bond Commission, and a special thank you to Governor Ned Lamont and Speaker of the House Matt Ritter for a tremendous commitment to Waterbury residents,” said Rep. DiGiovancarlo. “These funds will be used to make our roads, parks and schools safer. I also appreciate the immense support from the Waterbury delegation and House Bonding subcommittee chair State Representative Dorinda Borer for all her hard work.”

Said Gov. Lamont, who serves as chair of the State Bond Commission: “Keeping our public safety resources modernized and up-to-date is critical to providing a high level of protection for the residents who live here, and I am glad that the state can partner with the City of Waterbury to make these improvements.”

Added Speaker Ritter: “These are important security and technology upgrades that will help keep residents safe throughout the city. All the credit goes to the Waterbury legislative delegation who worked together to secure this funding in support of their city’s public safety initiatives.”

“Coming from a background in law enforcement, public safety has always been a top priority in my administration,” said Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary. “I am grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for allocating these funds – and the Waterbury Delegation working to secure them – to make our city safer.”

“Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for recognizing this need for Waterbury’s public safety,” said State Rep. Larry Butler (D-Waterbury), who represents the 72nd District. “I am proud to work alongside my partners in the Waterbury legislative delegation, including Representative DiGiovancarlo, to secure funding that makes a daily difference for city residents.”

Added State Sen. Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury, Naugatuck, and Middlebury): “Public safety is key to safeguarding community quality of life and promoting small business growth. I welcome this approval of funding to equip Waterbury with more resources to enhance its public safety efforts and protect city residents. My thanks to Governor Lamont and my partners in the Waterbury legislative delegation, especially Representative DiGiovancarlo, for working together to secure this state funding.”

State Rep. Ron Napoli (D-Waterbury), who represents the 73rd District, said: “One of our top priorities is working to make city residents feel safe, and this funding will help secure updated resources and tools that make roads, parks and schools safer. I appreciate Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission approving these funds, and I was happy to work with colleagues in the Waterbury legislative delegation, including Representative DiGiovancarlo, to obtain it.”

“Public safety is a pillar of community health,” said State Rep. Geraldo Reyes (D-Waterbury), who represents the 75th District. “The approved allocation of these bond funds by Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission will make Waterbury a better place to live and work because the money secures resources and tools that make roads, parks and schools safer. As always, I appreciate the effort of Representative DiGiovancarlo and the Waterbury delegation in securing vital funding for our great city.”