Category: Local News

 

Federal funding will help protect Bridgeport housing from future storms and floodwaters 

 

WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch lauded the announcement earlier this week of a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to further recovery and resiliency efforts in Bridgeport following Superstorm Sandy. This funding was awarded through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program to help implement innovative resiliency projects proposed in the Rebuild by Design competition, including Resilient Bridgeport.

 

“As we continue to recover from the worst storm in our region’s recent history, we must work to protect vulnerable coastal neighborhoods from future devastation,” Congressman Himes said. “Since Sandy, I have worked tirelessly with my colleagues and HUD to secure recovery and mitigation funding for our area, including for these innovative resiliency projects in Bridgeport. It is not enough that we reconstruct existing homes, businesses, and infrastructure – we must build them to withstand future disasters to better protect our citizens and prevent enormous economic and personal loss.”

 

“Nearly 18 months later, Bridgeport and other Connecticut coastal communities are still feeling the economic impact of Superstorm Sandy,” Senator Blumenthal said. “Even as we applaud this critical funding to help Bridgeport rebuild and recover, we must do more as a nation to address the long-term effects of climate change. Deadly, destructive storms are becoming the new normal and this is our last best chance to save the planet.”

 

“Recovery from a storm of Hurricane Sandy’s magnitude has not been easy, but our state’s strength and resolve has carried us forward. This funding will help repair the significant damage caused by the storm. But almost more importantly, it will help Bridgeport prepare for the next one – a seemingly inevitable event given the tangible effects climate change is having on the Northeast. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to secure funding and pass legislation that will strengthen Connecticut’s infrastructure, and slow the pace of global warming,” Senator Murphy said.

 

“This is great news for our city,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch. “We put forth a vision to make Bridgeport a city where in order to mitigate climate change, we’re creating green jobs while investing in the future to make our city a more resilient place for our kids and grandkids to live, work, and raise a family. These much needed funds will help us to continue doing just that. Thanks to Congressman Himes, Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, Shaun Donovan and others at HUD for their confidence in the Park City.”

 

Legislation Authorizes State Library to Create E-Book Platform

 

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today signed P.A. 14-82, An Act Concerning a State-wide Platform for the Distribution of Electronic Books, authorizing the State Library to create and maintain a state platform for the distribution of electronic books (e-books) to public library patrons. The bill was passed in response to legislation Governor Malloy signed last year that commissioned the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) to study how Connecticut’s public libraries could gain fairer access to e-books.

 

“As the role of libraries changes, it’s critical that we continue to provide invaluable resources that support the educational advancement of Connecticut citizens in a digital age,” said Governor Malloy. “We are leading the nation with the passage of common sense legislation that will increase educational opportunities for library patrons.”

 

The DCP study, found that, while over 90 percent of state libraries were offering at least some e-books to their patrons, the most popular titles were often unavailable or only available at prices well above the consumer price. To increase the availability of e-books and other e-content at libraries, the study recommended, among other things, the creation of a state-wide e-book distribution platform.

 

“I want to thank the Governor for supporting the creation of the first statewide e-book purchasing program in the nation,” said Rep. Brian Sear (D-Canterbury). “E-books are the technological wave of the future, and this platform will create easy and consistent access and pricing of e-books to libraries throughout Connecticut, and result in significant cost savings.”

 

“With this new law, the State of Connecticut will ensure our local libraries have a broad selection of e-books,” said Sen. Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield), Co-Chairman of the General Law Committee. “Prior to this legislation, it was unclear if municipal libraries would be able to continue to provide their citizens with e-book selections. I want to thank Governor Malloy and all those who collaborated on this issue for their support.”

 

“The e-book legislation was one of the most popular bi-partisan bills of the session,” said Rep. David Baram (D-Bloomfield), Co-Chairman of the General Law Committee. “It represents a comprehensive state strategy to purchase e-books for our public libraries so that patrons throughout the state can enjoy them without the significant cost of purchase.  By creating a state purchasing platform, we can flex our economic muscle to acquire e-books, overcoming the restrictive marketing taking place within the industry aimed at promoting private sales for increased profits. This will lower public library costs and provide greater e-book access to Connecticut residents.  It was a personal pleasure to advocate this bill as part of our General Law Committee agenda.”

 

Sen. Kevin Witkos (R-Canton), Ranking Member of the General Law Committee, stated, “I am excited to see our libraries expand and modernize their offerings to encourage reading.  Literacy is a key to learning, and reading in any format is important for people of all ages.”
“The use of e-books has exploded in recent years, so this legislation will help libraries offer more resources to the public,” said Rep. Dan Carter (R-Bethel), Ranking Member of the General Law Committee. “Our libraries remain an important part of our community, as well as destinations for family-friendly education and recreation. This is a step in the right direction as we seek to keep libraries outfitted with relevant and useful resources, and encourage reading among people of all ages and backgrounds.”

 

State Librarian Kendall Wiggin said, “With the recent development of a statewide e-book platform, Connecticut will continue to lead in library resource sharing. It is important that our citizens have the same level of access to e-books as they have to print books and this legislation will allow the State Library to make that happen.”

 

“The Connecticut Library Association is extremely pleased that Governor Malloy has signed the legislation that will enable the Connecticut State Library to create a statewide e-book delivery system,” said Connecticut Association President Richard Conroy. “Connecticut is a national leader on this issue, and we applaud the Governor for recognizing the importance of providing e-books to all of our State’s residents in a fair and equitable way.  As the market evolves, we anticipate that this important new service will have a positive influence on the relationship between publishers and libraries with regard to e-books.”

 

Studies show that e-books are now the preferred book format for many readers. Between 2002 and 2012, e-book share of trade publishing revenue increased from 0.05 percent to roughly 23 percent. In 2012, nearly 80 percent of libraries reported that they experienced a dramatic increase in the demand for e-books during the previous year.

First Selectman Jim Marpe announced today that as part of the YOUR DOWNTOWN campaign, a Downtown Visioning Workshop will be held on Saturday, June 7 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Bedford Middle School. The workshop is a critical part of the development of the Downtown Westport Master Plan. “Westport residents, this is Your Downtown,” Marpe said. “Please mark your calendars to attend the June 7th of determining how Downtown evolves over the next 10 to 20 years.”

The workshop will be highly visual and interactive so that residents can discuss topics and share opinions with each other and make clear, thoughtful choices about what’s appropriate for Downtown, what might make it more successful and vibrant, and how it can better serve residents of all ages. The main, interactive part of the workshop – “Downtown 101: Streets, Buildings, Places” – guides participants through a roundtable exercise in which they will view and discucss various elements and concepts for Downtown Westport. Citizens will have the opportunity to discuss the workshop. This is a not-to-miss opportunity for you to participate in the process proposed ideas and rate their appeal or appropriateness to Downtown.

The workshop will also cover topics related to historic preservation in specific parts of Downtown, which is at the heart of the Town’s Village District Study. The Village District Study is being undertaken concurrently with the Downtown Westport Master Plan and the two efforts are being coordinated. The Village District Study is being funded by a Vibrant Communities Initiative grant from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.

Downtown Steering Committee Chairman, Dewey Loselle thanked the more than 700 residents who have taken the Downtown Survey since it was launched last week and encouraged those who cannot attend the June 7 workshop to make sure they respond to the survey, which can be accessed through www.downtownwestportct.com. Loselle added, “We are making a maximum effort to reach out and engage the Westport community and have set an ambitious goal of receiving 2000 completed surveys which would be more than 10% of the adult citizens of Westport.” Residents who have not yet taken the Downtown Survey online or on paper can do so until mid July. The survey, as well as detailed information on events for the Downtown Westport Master Plan, will continue to be available on the the Committee’s Downtown web site at www.downtownwestportct.com. Paper versions of the survey are located at Town Hall, the Library, and the Senior Center.

A Downtown Steering Committee (DSC) is providing guidance and technical assistance to the consultant team, led by The RBA Group, in developing the master plan. The full membership of the DSC can be viewed on the Town’s on the project website at (www.downtownwestportct.com)

 

First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced today that following a press release recently issued by Governor Dannel Malloy, which stated that the Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1, 2014 to November 30, 2014 with the possible principal threat period for Connecticut occurring between mid-August and mid-October, the Fairfield community is encouraged to take necessary precautions and be prepared. First Selectman Tetreau said, “While we hope no hurricanes or major storms come our way, it is always important for our residents to be proactive and be prepared as much as possible. Not only do I recommend the public starts now in following tips issued by the Governor and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, but I also encourage anyone living or working in Fairfield to sign up for the Town’s CodeRED alert system so you may be informed and updated on storms or emergencies. To sign up or update your information, the public can visit www.fairfieldct.org and click on CodeRed which is located under “Popular Links” on the Town’s homepage or call 203-254-4830 for personal assistance.

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s three simple preparedness steps include putting together an emergency kit, making a plan and staying informed. Governor Malloy offers the following preparedness tips that include:

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• A whistle to signal for help

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

• Local maps

• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.

Family Emergency Plan:

• Identify an out-of town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than

to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate

among separated family members

• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone,

coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone,

program that person(s) as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an

accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of

someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as

emergency contacts

• Teach family members how to use text messaging. Text messages can often get around

network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through

• Subscribe to alert services. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for emergency alerts.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit www.ct.gov/hurricane or www.ready.gov.

‘Go Back to Get Ahead’ Provides Incentives to Re-Enroll Students to Complete Degrees

(HARTFORD, CT) – In a drive to give “lapsed” college students the opportunity to get their college education back on track, and to develop a better educated workforce and more competitive state economy, Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that the Board of Regents for Higher Education today launched the Go Back to Get Ahead program, offering in-state residents who have started, but not completed a degree, free college courses when they re-enroll.

 

For a limited time, individuals who took college courses before Dec. 1, 2012, but left before completing their degree, can get up to three free 3-credit courses, by enrolling in one of Connecticut’s 17 community colleges or universities.

 

“There are several hundred thousand adults in Connecticut who have not completed their bachelor’s degree,” said Governor Malloy.  “When a student starts college and doesn’t complete their degree, it’s a lost opportunity for the student, the college, and Connecticut’s economy.  Go Back to Get Ahead will help us build a future for Connecticut in which we are graduating as many students as possible into good paying jobs with good benefits, right here in Connecticut.”

 

Governor Malloy introduced the program earlier this year as part of his 2014 legislative proposals to increase college affordability and completion.

 

“A talented workforce is critical for a strong economy,” said Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman.  “Under Governor Malloy’s leadership we have made historic investments in education and workforce development to ensure students are well-prepared for the job market and a strong future.”

“By the end of this decade, about 70 percent of all jobs in Connecticut will require a post-secondary education, so completing a degree is more important now than ever,” said Board of Regents President Dr. Gregory Gray.  “With a better educated workforce, Connecticut can attract and keep better jobs here in the state.”

 

Dr. Gray continued, “This program is a great opportunity for students who want to finish an education they started.  But they need to act quickly, because we expect Go Back to Get Ahead to be very popular, and available funding for the program is limited.”

 

Some 65,000 potentially eligible students will be contacted by mail, and through a public media campaign.

 

Students can choose from among hundreds of classroom or online programs at the state’s four state universities, 12 community colleges and Charter Oak State College, the state’s only public, fully online college.

 

Starting today, interested students can visit GoBackToGetAhead.com for more information, or call 844-428-4228 or 844-GBTGA-CT from 8:30 am to 7pm Monday through Thursday and 8:30am to 5pm on Fridays.