FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday October 15, 2024

SENATOR KUSHNER, REPS. SANTOS AND GODFREY WELCOME $500,000 STATE GRANT FOR FRANKLIN STREET EXTENSION BRIDGE, OTHER PROJECTS

DANBURY – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) and Danbury state Representatives Farley Santos and Bob Godfrey today welcomed a $500,000 state grant to help rebuild and extend the 1917 stone bridge over Mercers Pond Brook on Franklin Street Extension, which was damaged when a truck smashed into the bridge, heavily damaging it.

The bridge – which is now the site of various concrete barriers and hazard signs to warn residents about safety issues there – is slated to receive $500,000 in state bonding to hasten its repair. The State Bond Commission is expected to approve the funding when it meets Tuesday, October 22 in Hartford.

“In March, Danbury’s Democratic legislative delegation put in a request for state bonding to help repair the bridge,” Sen. Kushner said. “This half-million dollar state grant is a great start, and I hope we will be able to secure even more funding in the future. I want to thank Governor Lamont, Democratic state leadership and the State Bond Commission for responding to the needs of the Danbury community with this funding.”

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Governor Lamont, Speaker Ritter, Majority Leader Rojas, and the members of the Bond Commission for prioritizing this vital project in Danbury,” Rep. Santos said. “In collaboration with Mayor Roberto Alves, we are tackling the long-neglected needs of our city. Repairing this bridge is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.”

“This is another example of cooperation between CONNDOT and the city,” Rep. Godfrey said. “We’re working together for our constituents and Danbury.”

Also on the Bond Commission agenda next week is final approval for two projects that were first proposed nearly a month ago by the Community Investment Fund 2030 that will bring nearly $1.2 million to Danbury for community center and arts hub investments.

The projects are:

• $943,688 for the City of Danbury “South Main St. Revitalization Project,” including roof and HVAC improvements to the Danbury Community Center.

• $250,000 for the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut and the City of Danbury for “Arts Hub: Feasibility Study for Arts Center” in Danbury.

“Danbury city officials have worked hand-in-hand with state government to get these projects funding. They know the need, and we have the money,” Sen. Kushner said. “The community center will get a new roof and air conditioning in the gym so we can continue to offer, and even expand, some of the programs it now has. Also, I began meetings with DECD two years ago to create an exceptional opportunity for a revitalized arts community in Danbury.  This new Arts Hub is the result.”

The Community Investment Fund 2030 was created by a bipartisan vote of the General Assembly in 2021 and is funded through state bonding.