Month: November 2023

CONNECTICUT CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $1.7 MILLION FOR TRAFFIC & ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS & STUDIES

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds traffic safety projects that prevent fatalities, serious injuries

[HARTFORD, CT] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives John B. Larson (D-CT), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Jim Himes (D-CT), and Jahana Hayes (D-CT) announced $1.749 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support six traffic safety projects across Connecticut.

https://www.doingitlocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Connecticutscongre.mp4

The funds are awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program established to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

“More people are dying on Connecticut’s roadways than ever before, and this $1.7 million in federal funding will help towns plan and make serious safety improvements to prevent these senseless tragedies from occurring,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal. “These critical projects target traffic and roadway issues at the local level so that Connecticut motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists can feel safer on the roads.”

“Every year during my Walk across the state, I’m reminded of how many roads in Connecticut are unsafe for pedestrians. It’s unacceptable that pedestrian fatalities in our state are at a 40-year high when we know how to prevent these deaths. This $1.75 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help towns across the state develop actionable plans to make their streets safer for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers,” said Sen. Chris Murphy.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was not only about rebuilding America’s crumbling infrastructure, it was about improving transportation safety,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro. “Accident rates in Connecticut are on the rise, and residents need safer communities. With this funding, the Naugatuck Council of Government will begin to enact their Vision Zero Action Plan which will create more accessible and inclusive transportation options aimed at making our communities walkable, healthy, and safer while supporting growth and opportunity.”

“Our state has lost hundreds of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to tragic roadway incidents over the last two years,” said Rep. John Larson. “The Connecticut delegation worked hard to secure funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make traffic safety improvements that will save lives. These resources will allow West Hartford, Winchester, and Newington to adopt community-wide approaches to ensure safety on the roads, including through new infrastructure upgrades and technologies.”

“Safer streets will make commuting more accessible, equitable, and enjoyable for Connecticut residents,” said Rep. Jim Himes. “I’m thrilled that the Town of Greenwich and the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments are receiving federal funds to develop plans that prioritize preventing traffic accidents and providing safe roads for pedestrians and bikers.”

“The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $5 billion to the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. Connecticut will receive over $1 million to address critical roadway issues and make our communities safer,” said Rep. Jahana Hayes. “The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments has been awarded over $300,000 to support the Vision Zero Action Plan, aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries from traffic crashes, and Newtown is set to receive $80,000 to help create a transportation safety action plan. We fought hard for this win. Now, residents in my district will see change in their communities.”

The funding announced today will support the following regional and local projects:

  • $320,064 to the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments for the NVCOG Vision Zero Action Plan Update
  • $200,000 to the Town of Winchester for the SS4A Action Plan for the Town of Winchester
  • $80,000 to the Town of Newington for the SS4A Supplemental Planning Grant for the Cedar Street Corridor
  • $80,000 to the Town of Newtown for the Newtown Comprehensive Safe Streets Community Action Plan
  • $400,000 to the Town of Greenwich for the SS4A Planning Grant to Create A Transportation Safety Action Plan
  • $669,007 for the Town of West Hartford for the Speed Management Pilot Program

The SS4A program supports the Department of Transportation’s goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our nation’s roadways. This comes at a time where traffic fatalities are at the highest level in decades.

In June 2023, Blumenthal reintroduced the Road to Zero resolution to reduce traffic fatalities and improve roadway safety for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others on the road. Introduction of the resolution follows yesterday’s announcement by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that over 9,000 people died in traffic crashes during the first three months of 2023. By improving data collection and promoting access to safe, reliable transportation, the Road to Zero resolution aims to end roadway fatalities by 2050.

Traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death for Americans under 54, killing over 100 people every day.

Consumer Counsel Challenges United Illuminating’s Rate Increase

The Office of Consumer Counsel filed Motions to Intervene in The United Illuminating Company’s (“UI”) administrative appeals to the Superior Court where the company is seeking to overturn the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (“PURA”) recent ruling rejecting the company’s rate increase request of $131 million over current rates and instead approving an increase of $22 million.

“United Illuminating’s appeals have commenced another lengthy process where they will attempt to distort the impact of PURA’s decision and weaken the integrity of Connecticut’s regulatory framework for the benefit of their bottom line,” said Consumer Counsel Coleman. “That’s why my office filed motions to intervene in the Superior Court proceedings on behalf of the customers in their service territory. During the rate case over the course of the last year, my team succeeded in demonstrating major shortcomings in UI’s original rate application, and we are prepared to do it again. Utility customers benefit from a proactive regulatory body that is willing to hold our utilities to applicable legal standards, and OCC will seek to ensure consumer interests are elevated in these appeals.”

Earlier this month, the company filed its appeals of PURA’s Final Decision contesting its core elements, including their allowed revenue requirement and return of equity determinations. OCC is intervening to preserve the Final Decision’s substantial rate benefits to customers, including reductions due to the company’s well-documented performance and management deficiencies, as well as to defend important regulatory principles that are designed to protect consumers.  At the same time, OCC will continue to have constructive dialogue with UI on Connecticut’s transition to a performance-based regulatory framework, which we expect to provide additional guidance on required justifications for capital expenditures and other areas that will improve the regulatory framework for both customers and utilities.

Swift Response: Westport Fire Department Quickly Addresses Treadwell Avenue Structure Fire

On October 27, 2023, at 4:21 PM, emergency services responded to a reported structure fire at a residence on Treadwell Avenue, dispatched by the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch center. Upon arrival, the homeowner had discovered smoke within the house. The Westport Fire Department arrived swiftly with multiple units, including 4 engines, a ladder truck, a rescue team, and the shift commander. Engine 4 from the Saugatuck Fire Station was the first to arrive within 2 minutes and 6 seconds of the dispatch, swiftly addressing the working fire and conducting searches within the home. Fortunately, no injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. The Westport Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire, while Westport Police Department and EMS provided on-site assistance. Additionally, fire departments from Fairfield and Norwalk covered additional calls at Westport Fire Headquarters during the incident.

https://www.doingitlocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/OnOctober272023.mp4

Daylights Savings Time…AGAIN

Daylight saving time ends on November 5 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the alarms are working.

“Home fires claim more lives every year than all natural disasters combined, but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half,” said Rebecca Johnson, regional disaster officer, American Red Cross Connecticut, and Rhode Island Region. “The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. When you turn your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

Over the past year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help over 3,100 people in Connecticut affected by around 800 home fires, which account for most of the more than 60,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.

Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer’s instructions.

Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.

Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or a landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

IF YOU NEED HELP If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit redcross.org/ct or call 1-877-287-3327 (option 1) for a free smoke alarm installation and home safety visit.

Bridgeport News: Suspicious Death

On November 3, 2023, at approximately 4:10 pm the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center received a report of a human body found behind 1028 Stratford Avenue.

Patrol Officers responded to the area and found a deceased female in the rear parking lot of 1028 Stratford Avenue. She was positioned near a dumpster in the parking lot. Medical personnel arrived on scene and confirmed the party was deceased. The Detective Bureau has responded and taken charge of the investigation. The Forensic Identification Unit has since processed the scene and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has removed the unidentified body. The OCME will conduct an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death. No further information at this time. The investigation continues. Anyone with information about this suspicious death is requested to contact the case officer, Detective Keith Hanson, at 203-581-5243 or utilize the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.

Exit mobile version