October 22, 2024

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES MILLIONS IN STATE BOND COMMISSION SUPPORT IN NEW LONDON, WATERFORD, MONTVILLE

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of $8.988 million in support for New London and Waterford to support projects important to the local community. The projects in question include new radios for Waterford’s first responders, redevelopment of key downtown buildings in New London, and reallocation of funds to support work at Seaside State Park in Waterford.

Additional approvals give final approval to Community Investment Fund grants that will aid Montville town planning, New London senior housing redevelopment and New London resources for addiction recovery.

“I’m grateful to the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their support of our communities,” said Sen. Marx. “These funds will support important local projects, ranging from improved public safety in Waterford and important downtown redevelopment in New London, as well as updated work in Seaside State Park and final approval of several key local projects. I’m excited to see the benefits they’ll bring to our region.”

On October 21, the State Bond Commission approved dozens of items supporting projects around the state. In Waterford, $500,000 will be allocated to support the replacement of the town’s public safety radio systems. Such upgrades serve to provide first responders with improved access and availability of communication, which serves to bolster the town’s response to emergencies and other significant issues as they arise.

In addition, in New London, grant funding valued at $1,237,500 will be reallocated from the Connecticut Communities Challenge Grant Program, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, to the city.

The funds will support The Day Devco, LLC, a subsidiary of High Tide Capital, for façade repairs, energy efficiency upgrades and window and roof replacements. High Tide Capital is a Maine-based development company that purchased the New London Day’s former buildings, along with several others adjacent to the Amtrak Station, and seeks to redevelop them for plans that include a potential 120-room hotel, apartments and retail spaces. The new complex is hoped to serve as a centerpiece for New London’s downtown.

Another $7 million in funding will support investments and improvements to Seaside State Park in Waterford. The funds were initially allocated via American Rescue Plan Act funding in 2023, but its funding source has shifted to a larger $30 million allocation for statewide improvements and repairs and new construction at various state park, forest, boat launch and wildlife management areas approved by the Bond Commission today.

Formerly home to a sanitorium, the state park is being converted into a passive recreation park, designed to remove deteriorated buildings, add restrooms, picnic areas and walking trails, and improve the shoreline area and parking to better suit visitors’ needs. The funds are part of a larger $30 million allocation of funds supporting improvement, repair and construction work at state parks, forests, boat launches and wildlife management areas.

Three Community Investment Fund projects, which initially were announced in September, also received final approval in the bond agenda. These include $250,000 each for an investment plan on Route 32 in Montville, for planning for redevelopment of Gordon Court senior housing in New London, and to support the Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.’s planned New London Recovery Community for individuals in recovery on Colt and Reed Streets.