Gentile hails expected $5M in state bonding for Derby redevelopment

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, today announced Derby is set to receive $5 million in funding to be used towards the city’s downtown redevelopment.

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

The State Bond Commission is expected to approve this funding during a meeting May 12   at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building.

The City of Derby recently submitted its request for this grant-in-aid to DECD, with Gentile’s assistance.

The funding this grant provides will be used to assist with utility infrastructure, road and sidewalk construction, and streetscaping associated with downtown redevelopment. 

“This $5M grant will be an enormous help to the City of Derby for its downtown redevelopment,” Gentile said. “It will breathe life into the vision that was created through an open process that incorporated public ideas into a comprehensive, yet realistic plan to transform Derby's downtown into a vibrant hub of economic activity.

"It will help with the utility infrastructure, road and sidewalk construction and streetscaping associated with the project. I am grateful for Governor Malloy's support, and for the help and assistance of DECD and OPM.”

“This is a monumental day for the citizens of Derby,” Mayor Anita Dugatto said. 

“This funding award will allow us to take the next critical step in restoring our city center to economic prosperity. We eagerly look forward to the day when our downtown streets are once again bustling with activity.  

"I want to especially thank OPM, State Rep. Linda Gentile, and DECD Deputy Commissioner Tim Sullivan for seeing the value in investing in our great little city. And to all the developers who have been waiting in the wings, Derby is moving forward!”

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Crisco welcomes funding for upgrades to tunnel, Route 15 Exit 59

WOODBRIDGE - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, announced today the State Bond Commission has approved funds that will pay for preliminary plans to rehabilitate the aging Route 15 West Rock Tunnel and the nearby, accident-prone Exit 59.

 Joseph Crisco

The State Bond Commission Friday approved releasing $2 million in bonding for the preliminary design phase for new and rehabilitated tunnels carrying Route 15 (the Wilbur Cross Parkway) under the West Rock Ridge in Woodbridge and New Haven.

Built in 1949, this quarter-mile twin tunnel requires constant maintenance due to its poor condition and hazards created by falling concrete, ice, and poor illumination. 

The planned rehabilitation of the tunnel will use innovative means to maintain traffic flow during construction and to shorten the duration of construction; the work may include creation of a third tunnel.

The work will also reconstruct the Exit 59 interchange in New Haven and Woodbridge. A study of the interchange was initiated several years ago due to high accident rates and traffic congestion in the area. 
The goals of a reconfigured exit are to improve safety, reduce congestion, improve pedestrian accommodations, and improve commuter connectivity to and from Route 15.

“We hear a lot from commuters and businesses that Connecticut needs a modern, safe, and reliable transportation infrastructure in order to be efficient and productive, and that’s what this state investment will do: modernize and improve the West Rock Tunnel that is used by thousands of commuters every day, and improve the safety and functionality of Exit 59,” Crisco said. 
“I want to thank Governor Malloy and the State Bond Commission for recognizing the importance of these improvements to the residents and businesses of Woodbridge and the area, and for having the courage and the commitment to moving this state forward on an everyday transportation issue."


This is a press release from Crisco's office.