Month: July 2025

GOVERNOR LAMONT BREAKS GROUND ON NEW TRAIN STATION IN NAUGATUCK AS PART OF MAJOR UPGRADES TO WATERBURY BRANCH LINE

(NAUGATUCK, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto today announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has begun construction on a new train station in Naugatuck, advancing the Lamont administration’s plan to modernize the entire Waterbury Branch Line and spur downtown redevelopment.

The new station is being relocated approximately 0.3 miles south of the existing station, placing it closer to Naugatuck’s downtown and aligning with the borough’s vision for a vibrant, transit-oriented development near Rubber Avenue and Old Firehouse Road. This project is one of several parts of a larger CTDOT initiative to upgrade all six stations on Metro-North’s Waterbury Branch Line.

“We’re not just building a train station, we’re building more momentum for Naugatuck’s future,” Governor Lamont said. “This new station brings public transportation closer to the heart of downtown, creating new opportunities for economic development, housing, and walkable neighborhoods. It’s an investment in infrastructure that connects people to jobs and strengthens communities.”

Scheduled to open in summer 2027, the new station will feature a 350-foot-long high-level platform with a snow melt system, ADA-compliant access via an elevator and stair tower, real-time arrival and departure displays, and a passenger waiting area equipped with a ticket vending machine. It will also offer 72 on-street parking spaces, including electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient LED lighting, and upgraded safety features. The two-story station building will be approximately 2,300 square feet, with a platform area of about 4,400 square feet.

Designed as a multimodal hub, the station will serve as a gateway to a future walkable, mixed-use neighborhood that connects downtown Naugatuck to the east side of the Naugatuck River Greenway. Over the last two years, the Naugatuck train station has served approximately 34,000 riders annually.

“Through this project and others along the Waterbury Branch Line, CTDOT is helping communities like Naugatuck realize their transit-oriented development goals,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “We’re building modern and accessible stations that align transportation improvements with local plans for growing downtown. I want to thank Metro-North for their continued partnership on this project and others across the Waterbury Line. I’m also grateful to Governor Lamont and the Federal Transit Administration for the critical investments that are making this work possible.”

“The Waterbury Line offers critical rail service to thousands of Valley residents, but the Naugatuck station is in need of urgent revitalization,” U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “Over $26 million in federal funding will improve commuters’ travel experience through increased connectivity and accessibility upgrades while bolstering transit-oriented development in Naugatuck. I’m proud to have worked alongside the Connecticut delegation to secure funding for necessary updates to our rail system.”

“When it comes to ridership on the Waterbury Line, I’ve always believed that if we build it, the riders will come,” U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said. “With these state and federal dollars, we will continue to expand its ridership, connecting people to jobs and housing and boosting local economies throughout Western Connecticut. Today’s groundbreaking in Naugatuck is an important step towards a modern transit grid in Connecticut that is faster, more reliable, and more comfortable for commuters and families.”

“The new Naugatuck station will provide a safe and modern customer experience while connecting riders to the best service in Metro-North history,” Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek said. “And moving the station to a more convenient downtown location makes it even easier for riders to access all the amenities downtown Naugatuck has to offer.”

The $33.2 million project is funded by a mix of 80% federal funds and 20% state funds. More than $20 million in federal funds are sourced from the Federal Transit Administration and state bond funds will cover the remainder.

The Naugatuck project is part of a $140 million statewide program to upgrade all stations on the Waterbury Branch Line, including Waterbury, Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Seymour, Ansonia, and Derby-Shelton. The statewide initiative includes expanded accessibility features, improved platform designs, and renovated passenger facilities to meet the needs of 21st-century commuters.

Riders will continue to use the current Naugatuck station during construction, with most work scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions. A temporary shutdown of the Waterbury Line will take place later, with substitute bus service provided. Details will be announced as the date approaches.

Back to School Already? Let’s Help Fairfield’s Students Start Strong!

July 16, 2025 – It’s hard to believe, but Back-to-School season is just around the corner-and for many Fairfield families, it can be a time of financial stress. Once again, Fairfield Social Services is collecting gift card donations to help local students head back to class confident and prepared.
     The Fairfield community has always been generous and supportive of neighbors in need, and we thank you for continuing that tradition. The need this year is great, and every donation makes a difference. Whether it’s a gift card to Amazon, Target, or Walmart, your support directly benefits students and families right here in Fairfield.
     To contribute, please drop off or mail gift cards to Fairfield Social Services. Your generosity makes a lasting impact throughout the school year.
     Fairfield Social Services’ Back-to-School Program supports students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade and will launch in mid-August. Eligibility requirements apply. Assistance is available while gift card supplies last. To find out if you qualify, please contact Fairfield Social Services at 203-256-3170 to schedule an appointment.
     Together, we can help every Fairfield student start the school year strong.

Senator Tony Hwang Announces $4.4 Million Awarded to Fairfield for Commerce Drive Bridge Replacement Project

HARTFORD, CT — Senator Tony Hwang (R–Fairfield) today applauded the awarding of $4,437,138 to the Town of Fairfield for the Commerce Drive Bridge Replacement project, a major infrastructure improvement made possible through the state’s Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP).

As Ranking Member and leading Republican on both the Transportation Committee and the Transportation Bonding Subcommittee, Senator Hwang played a role with Bridgeport legislators in advancing this project and more than a dozen others funded through the LOTCIP initiative. His efforts, in collaboration with state officials and committee leadership, helped ensure a transparent, data-driven process that prioritized local needs and long-term sustainability.

“I would like to acknowledge the work of the Transportation Committee and Transportation Bonding Subcommittee leadership for their collaborative efforts, particularly as it came to funding, throughout the past year. I would also like to thank Governor Lamont and Commissioner Eucalitto for their partnership in advancing the items prioritized by these committees,” said Senator Hwang.

Senator Hwang emphasized the importance of transparency and cooperation in the infrastructure planning and funding process, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and equitably across Connecticut communities. He also highlighted the critical need for modern, resilient, and environmentally responsible transportation systems that meet the needs of residents today while preserving the natural environment for generations to come.

The Commerce Drive Bridge project is designed to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and align with broader goals for sustainable development and climate-conscious public works.

“Investments like these are not just about replacing aging infrastructure,” Hwang added. “They’re about building stronger communities, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring that Fairfield remains connected, safe, and environmentally responsible.”

For more information on the LOTCIP program and upcoming infrastructure improvements in the region, visit portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/lotcip.

GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS WITH TO BOOST MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT RATES

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves today announced that the Lamont administration has reached an agreement with the 17 community health centers in Connecticut regarding a three-year plan to boost Medicaid reimbursement rates for the centers that service 440,000 people across the state each year.

The agreement will phase in rate increases over three years totaling approximately $80 million by June 30, 2028. The deal also clarifies the process for these centers to request rate adjustments based on the scope of services they offer and authorizes collaboration between the state and the centers to develop alternative payment models.

“While Republicans in Congress are defunding Medicaid and raising health care costs for all Americans, here in Connecticut we are making key investments in primary care, dental, and behavioral health,” Governor Lamont said. “Our community health centers are a lifeline for our residents, providing care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay, and this agreement helps to provide sustainable and reliable care for those who count on them.”

“These investments will position the community health centers to lead in value-based care, improve patient outcomes, and community health,” Commissioner Barton Reeves said. “The Federally Qualified Health Centers are essential partners in delivering high quality, affordable health care to all residents. We look forward to continuing to build our partnership, with the shared goals of addressing the health care needs of Connecticut’s residents and increasing access to preventative care throughout the state.”

“We appreciate the willingness of Governor Lamont and Commissioner Reeves’s teams to continue to work with our health centers towards this agreement,” Shawn K. Frick, CEO of the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut CHC/ACT, said. “Patients across the state will benefit from this investment in primary care.”

Mark Masselli, CEO of CHC, Inc., the largest health center in the state, agreed, stating, “Many thanks to all who worked together to achieve this compromise.”

The agreement provides:

A three-year phase in of new rates, reflective of 2023 costs for each health center, beginning on October 1, 2025.

A new “change in scope” process.

Change the appeals process for Federally Qualified Health Centers to align with other Medicaid providers beginning January 1, 2027.

Withdrawal of the declaratory ruling request.

West Haven Man Arrested in Honda of Westport Tire Theft Case

Darrylle D. Rodriguez, 23, of West Haven, was arrested in connection with the October 2024 theft of tires and rims from three vehicles at Honda of Westport. The vehicles had been left on milk crates, with damages totaling over $15,000.

After a multi-agency investigation and multiple search warrants, Westport Police identified Rodriguez as one of the suspects and took him into custody at Derby Superior Court while he was appearing for an unrelated matter. He was charged with larceny in the second degree and conspiracy to commit larceny in the second degree. Rodriguez posted a $75,000 bond and was turned over to Stamford Police, who also held a warrant for his arrest. He is scheduled to be arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on July 24, 2025.

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