Senator Gaston Celebrates $2.5 Million Being Allocated to Projects in Bridgeport

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) welcomed a vote by the Community Investment Fund (CIF) that will bring $2.5 million to Bridgeport.

The CIF vote is a key step toward final approval of the plan by the State Bond Commission, which must come in the next 60 days.

The CIF is giving $2 million to the Barnum Museum Foundation. The Barnum Museum, a historic cultural institution in Bridgeport since 1893, provides educational programs, community events, and accessibility initiatives for diverse audiences. It engages thousands of students, families, and seniors through partnerships with schools and local organizations. The proposed project will continue the Museum’s restoration, focusing on safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.

The CIF is also giving the Green Village Initiatives Inc. $250,000. Green Village Initiative is a nonprofit organization serving Bridgeport focused on addressing systemic inequities in the local food system through urban agriculture, education, and community empowerment. The Bridgeport Regional Food Hub & Community Empowerment Initiative is a planning project to develop a county-wide food hub in Bridgeport.

And the CIF is giving the Mercy Learning Center $250,000. Mercy Learning Center provides basic literacy and life skills training to women with low income using a holistic approach within a compassionate, supportive environment. CIF funding would finance specific assessments and plans to address elements that arise from the Organizational Strategic Plan and process prioritizing capital renovations and expansion.

“What a significant step forward for Bridgeport, this funding from the Community Investment Fund will help strengthen three vital pillars of our community: the Barnum Museum, the Green Village Initiative, and the Mercy Learning Center,” said Sen. Gaston. “These organizations have long served as cornerstones of education, empowerment, and growth in our city, and with this funding, they will continue to uplift and inspire individuals. From enhancing safety and accessibility at the Barnum Museum to addressing food inequities and expanding opportunities for women, this investment reflects our commitment to creating a more equitable and vibrant Bridgeport. I am proud to see these institutions thrive and look forward to the positive impact this funding will have on our community for years to come.”

The CIF fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across the state.