Category: Local News

Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe announced today that he will join Heather Cavanagh,

Director of the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce, at a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on

Thursday, March 6 at 10 a.m. to celebrate South Moon Under’s first day in business at 14 Post

Road East in Westport (in the former Klaff’s location). This is the first Connecticut location for

South Moon Under and the first of 2 stores the company plans to open in 2014.

About Downtown Westport (www.westportct.gov)

Westport’s vibrant downtown area and healthy commercial environment generate the feeling of

a New England town with the conveniences of modern life, and this continues to attract people

who are leaders in all facets of society. Residents enjoy Westport’s quality of life because of our

commitment to conserve our natural resources, preserve our traditions, and support community

events.

About South Moon Under (www.southmoonunder.com)

What began as a small surf shack in the summer of 1968 has since evolved into an upscale

clothing retailer with 22 locations along the East Coast. Still privately owned, South Moon

Under offers a unique mix of fashions while remaining true to its laid back and free spirited

mindset instilled in the founding store over forty years ago. Our mission is to inspire self-
expression through the art of fashion. By providing an ever-evolving, carefully handpicked

collection of fashion presented in a fun, comfortable, high-service environment, we give

our customers the opportunity to experience the excitement of successfully and confidently

expressing their individual style.

Effective Through Wednesday Morning, Anyone Seeking Shelter Should Call 2-1-1

 

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced he has reactivated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol in anticipation of temperatures in the teens and single digits over the next few nights. The Protocol is effective beginning today, March 3^rd and will remain in effect through Wednesday morning, March 5^th.

 

“With a few weeks of winter still ahead of us, we must continue to protect the most vulnerable members of our state’s population during these severe cold weather outbreaks,” said Governor Malloy. “I urge anyone in need of shelter to call 2-1-1 and encourage local communities to consider opening warming centers or other facilities to help people in need.”

 

While activated, the Protocol directs the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), and the Department of Housing (DOH) to coordinate with 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to ensure that the state’s most vulnerable population are protected from the severe cold weather.

 

Under the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, DEMHS activates its WebEOC communications network – an internet-based system that allows local, regional and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.

 

DSS and DOH coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, as well as working with existing vendors to resolve transportation issues for people needing shelter during the period of severe cold.

 

DMHAS has teams who specialize in working with homeless people to locate those who are at risk, spread the word about the 2-1-1 system, and encourage everyone to take advantage of the safety of shelters. DMHAS also works with shelters to assess and meet the needs of individual clients.

Top Accounting and Consulting Firm Growing Jobs in Hartford

 

(HARTFORD) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that CohnReznick LLP is expanding its presence in Connecticut in a move that will create or retain 236 jobs for Connecticut residents over the next four years.

 

“CohnReznick is a nationally recognized accounting and consulting firm and a leader in the professional services sector, which accounts for more than ninety thousand good paying jobs in Connecticut,” said Governor Malloy. “CohnReznick’s decision to expand here means more of these jobs for our residents. It’s a major investment in this critical industry, one that will encourage other employers to follow suit.”

 

The state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will provide CohnReznick with a $1.2 million loan at an interest rate of 2 percent for a term of 10 years. Principal payments will be deferred for the first five years. The company may receive a loan principal forgiveness credit of $600,000 if it meets its commitment to retain its 196-person workforce and create 40 new fulltime jobs within four years.

 

“CohnReznick is excited to be working with the State of Connecticut as we expand our business in Hartford. Consolidating the staff from our Farmington and Glastonbury offices has been our goal for some time,” said Frank Longobardi, CPA, Regional Managing Partner — New England.  “The funding from the State will assist us in the renovations of the Metro Center site, creating workspaces that will allow for greater collaboration and efficiencies among our staff and afford us space to create new jobs in Hartford.  We are looking forward to our move to the Capital City and hope to be a beacon for future growth in Hartford.”

 

Including DECD funding, CohnReznick’s total project investment is $4.5 million to refurbish space, make leasehold improvements and purchase office furniture, fixtures and equipment. The firm will merge two existing office locations from Glastonbury and Farmington into one located at 350 Church Street in Hartford. CohnReznick is also considering relocating employees from its other New England offices to Hartford.

 

“The consolidation of three CohnReznick locations into one downtown Hartford site is yet another example of Governor Malloy’s laser-like focus to grow our state’s economy and, when possible, to help our cities at the same time. An announcement such as this doesn’t happen without the hard work of Governor Malloy and his team and their determination to let all employers know that Connecticut means business,” said State Senator John Fonfara (D-Hartford, Wethersfield).

 

“This is an encouraging sign for the City of Hartford and the State of Connecticut,” said State Rep. Douglas McCrory (D-Hartford). “We need companies like CohnReznick to make investments in the city with long-term job creation and hiring plans that will actually benefit residents.”

 

With origins dating back to 1919, CohnReznick is the 11th largest accounting, tax, and advisory firm in the U.S. Headquartered in New York City, the firm serves a large number of diverse industries and offers specialized services for Fortune 1000 companies, owner-managed businesses, international enterprises, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and other key market sectors. The firm has more than 280 partners, 2,200 employees and 26 offices, and is a member of Nexia International, a global network of independent accountancy, tax, and business advisors.

 

“This is another example of a dynamic, growing firm choosing to grow in Connecticut,” said DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith. “Connecticut has the financial and professional talent that top firms need, and DECD is happy to support CohnReznick’s continued growth and success.”

 

Last year, Connecticut employment in the professional services sector was 90,133.  The output of this industry is $16.5 billion, or 7.2 percent of Connecticut’s statewide GSP.

First Selectman Jim Marpe and Registrars of Voters to Test Drive Connecticut’s

New Online Voter Registration System on March 6

Westport Registrars of Voters, Marla Cowden and Kevin White announced today that

online voter registration is now available in Westport.

First Selectman Jim Marpe and the Registrars of Voters will welcome two new voters on

March 6, at 4 p.m. in Westport Town Hall Room 309. At that time, two eligible Staples

High School seniors will register to vote using the online voter registration system. The

public is invited to attend.

The link to the online registration system is https://voterregistration.ct.gov.

Westport residents who qualify to vote can register online. The following updates to

current registrations may also be done online:

Name Change

Address Change

Party Affiliation Change

Citizens with a current, valid ID from the CT Department of Motor Vehicles can process

registrations and updates completely electronically from a home computer, laptop, tablet

or smartphone.

Citizens without the required ID can complete registrations or updates using the system,

but will need to print out, sign and mail the document to the following address:

Registrars of Voters

Town Hall, Room 107

110 Myrtle Avenue

Westport, CT 06880

The Registrars of Voters noted that the new online registration system makes registration

and updates easier for Westport residents, streamlines processing and will improve the

accuracy of voter information as it will now be typed directly into the system rather than

being hand written.

Residents with questions should contact the registrars at 203-341-1115 or

mcowden@westportct.gov or kwhite@westportct.gov

(HARTFORD, CT) – On Monday morning, Governor Dannel P. Malloy will speak at a conference in Hartford on the benefits of Open Data.  Last month, Governor Malloy signed an executive order requiring the creation of the Connecticut Open Data Portal, which will result in widespread amounts of raw government data to be collected, placed on the internet, and shared with the public in a major effort to increase transparency and provide a useful database that can be utilized by residents for any number of purposes.  The Governor will discuss the benefits of the portal at the conference, which is being hosted by the Connecticut Data Collaborative.

WHO: Governor Malloy
WHAT: Governor Malloy speaks at “Open Data for Connecticut: Opportunities and Challenges” conference
WHEN: Monday, March 3, 2014; Event begins at 8:30 a.m., Governor Malloy to speak at 9:45 a.m.
WHERE: Hartford Public Library; 55 Main Street, Hartford

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 5, the President will travel to Connecticut and deliver remarks at Central Connecticut State University on minimum wage. The President will be joined by Governor Malloy of Connecticut, Governor Patrick of Massachusetts, Governor Chafee of Rhode Island, and Governor Shumlin of Vermont to discuss the importance of raising the minimum wage and giving hardworking Americans the raise they deserve.

 

The arrival and departure of Air Force One at Bradley Air National Guard Base are open to pre-credentialed media, but closed to the public.  The President’s remarks at Central Connecticut State University are open to pre-credentialed media and ticketed members of the general public. Ticket distribution information is included below.

 

Members of the media who wish to cover the arrival of Air Force One at Bradley Air National Guard Base should RSVP HERE by Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 9:00 AM EST.

 

Members of the media who wish to cover the President’s remarks at Central Connecticut State University should RSVP HERE by Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 9:00 AM EST.

 

Media outlets that wish to cover both events should plan on sending separate crews to the airport and the remarks, as a single crew will not be able to cover both events.

 

Ticket Distribution Information for Members of the Public:

 

This event is free and open to the public.

 

A limited number of tickets will be available to the public starting on Tuesday, March 4 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM  at Central Connecticut State University, William Detrick Gymnasium in Kaiser Hall, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06053.  One ticket per person will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Event Day Logistics:

 

Public Entrance:  Main Entrance, William Detrick Gymnasium in Kaiser Hall

 

Doors Open:  11:30 AM

 

Tickets are required for entry.  Tickets are not for sale or re-sale.

 

All attendees will go through airport-like security and should bring as few personal items as possible. No bags, backpacks, sharp objects, umbrellas, liquids, or signs will be allowed in the venue. Cameras are permitted.

 

MEDIA LOGISTICS BELOW ARE FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY, NOT FOR REPORTING

 

WEDNESDAY, March 5, 2014

 

NOTE: Media RSVPs do NOT guarantee access. Confirmation emails will be sent out after the deadline to RSVP has passed.

 

All times below are Eastern Standard Time.

 

Air Force One Arrival and Departure

 

Bradley Air National Guard Base

100 Nicholson Road

East Granby, CT 06026

 

Media Coverage:  Air Force One arrival and departure is open to pre-credentialed media.

 

Air Force One Estimated Arrival Time:  12:15 PM EST

Air Force One Estimated Departure Time:  3:45 PM EST

 

Media entrance:  Media must enter via the Main Gate to Bradley Air National Guard Base.  Media must present photo identification at the Main Gate.

 

Media pre-set/access time:  9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

 

Media access:  9:00 AM – 9:45AM

 

Final media access for arrival:  9:45 AM

 

No access to equipment:  10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

 

NOTE:  Media who wish to cover the departure of Air Force One must bring all equipment during the arrival access time.  A media holding room will be available on base between the arrival and departure of Air Force One.  Media who depart Bradley Air National Guard Base after Air Force One arrival will not be able to re-access the base to cover departure.

 

Live truck parking:  Directed on-site from the Main Gate by base personnel.  All live trucks must arrive at the Main Gate no later than 9:15 AM

 

General media parking:  Base personnel will escort media from the Main Gate to the media parking lot.

 

Cable Run (distance from live truck to media riser): 400 feet

 

Throw (distance from media riser to Air Force One): 150 feet

 

No power, workspace, or wireless internet is available.

 

NOTE:  The arrival and departure of Air Force One is closed to the public.

 

All names submitted for credentials must be accurate and reflect the identification media presents at checkpoints for entrance.  RSVPs do not guarantee access. You will receive a confirmation e-mail if you will receive a credential to cover the event.

 

Media contact for logistical and planning purposes only:  Stephanie Temaat, stemaat@who.eop.gov,(202) 503-5360

 

NOTE:  Media outlets who wish to cover the arrival and departure of Air Force One and President Obama’s remarks at Central Connecticut State University should plan on credentialing two separate crews.

 

President Obama to Deliver Remarks at Central Connecticut State University

 

Central Connecticut State University
William Detrick Gymnasium at Kaiser Hall
New Britain, CT 06053

 

Estimated Event Time: 2:40 PM

 

Media Coverage: This event is open to pre-credentialed media. Space is limited, and a media RSVP does NOT guarantee access. You will receive a confirmation email if you receive a credential to cover this event when the deadline to RSVP passes. All names submitted for credentials must be accurate and reflect the identification media presents at checkpoints for entrance.  Remarks will also be available via live-stream at www.whitehouse.gov/live.

 

Media Entrance: Media will receive credentials and enter the event space at the southwest entrance to Kaiser Hall.

 

Media Pre-Set Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM.  All media with heavy/large equipment and sticks should pre-set equipment on site. Live trucks MUST park and cable in during this time.

 

No Access to Equipment:  9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

 

Media Access: 11:30 AM – 1:15 PM

 

Final Media Access: 1:15 PM

 

Live Truck Parking: To park live trucks, follow signs for Arute Field off of Ella Grasso Boulevard. From here, turn onto Kaiser Drive and park at Frank Marietta Circle, as will be directed on site.

 

Media Parking: General media parking will be available across the street from Kaiser Hall in the Copernicus Parking Garage. From Paul Manaford Drive (also referred to as S. Perimeter Road), turn onto Service Drive to access this garage.

 

Cable Run (distance from live truck to main media riser): 500 feet.  Please note the cable run crosses a crowd footpath – 10 feet of cable covering is advised.

 

Throw (distance from main media riser to stage): 55 feet

 

Limited power and media workspace is available on site.

 

Media Contact for logistical and planning purposes only: Umarah Ali,Sali_associate@who.eop.gov , (202) 596-4160

(HARTFORD, CT) – Today at 1:15 p.m., Governor Dannel P. Malloy will participate in a media conference call with White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest to preview President Obama’s upcoming event in New Britain on the minimum wage and the importance of giving hardworking Americans the raise they deserve.  Also participating will be Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee and Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin.

WHO: Governor Malloy, Governor Chafee, Governor Shumlin, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest
WHAT: White House media conference call to preview President Obama’s visit to Connecticut for an event on the minimum wage
WHEN: TODAY – Sunday, March 2, 2014; 1:15 p.m.
WHERE: Members of the media who wish to join this call should dial (800) 230-1059 and ask for the “White House Call.”  No passcode necessary.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that $2.1 million to fund repairs to the state-owned Dooley Pond Dam in Middletown was approved at Friday’s meeting of the state Bond Commission.  Funding will be used to increase the dam’s capacity, notably during severe weather events.

 

“The Dooley Pond Dam is in need of repairs,” said Governor Malloy.  “Especially considering the increasingly severe weather we have been having, it is necessary that we have the infrastructure in place to withstand these demands.  I’m glad we could make this happen for the residents of Middletown.”

 

The Class C, or high hazard, dam, located near Route 17 south of Brushy Hill Road, is currently considered in poor condition, with issues facing the spillway and water control.  About a year ago, the left spillway training wall partially collapsed, resulting in concrete blocks and slabs falling into the spillway discharge channel.  The water level of Dooley Pond was lowered by approximately three feet at that time, and must be maintained in a lowered condition until permanent repairs can be made.

 

Funds will allow for the construction of a new, higher capacity spillway, installation of protective riprap on both the upstream and downstream channel sections, and the installation of toe drains.  These improvements will increase the capacity of the dam to handle the water flow from major storm events and create a safer and easier to manage structure.

 

“Repairs to Dooley Pond Dam will contribute to both public safety and the public’s opportunities to be outdoors and enjoy this pond,” said Commissioner Rob Klee of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which will administer this project.  “This is an important investment and we appreciate the support of the Governor and the expected support of the Bond Commission for this project.”

 

Mayor Daniel T. Drew said, “Dooley Pond is immediately adjacent to a state highway and several residential homes.  This repair is necessary and timely following last year’s lowering of the water level.  I appreciate the efforts of both Governor Malloy and Middletown’s legislative delegation in seeing through this important repair.”

 

“It is imperative that we protect the safety of our community by making these needed repairs to the Dooley Pond Dam,” said State Senator Danté Bartolomeo (D-Meriden).  “Once repairs are made to the dam, people in areas neighboring the pond and connecting streams can feel more confident in the security of their homes, and the water can be raised to a level more conducive to recreation at Dooley Pond.”

 

“I want to thank the State Bond Commission and Governor Malloy for seeing the value of these essential repairs,” said State Senator Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield).   “We want Dooley Pond to be fully enjoyed by the public, and this project will enable more recreational activity at the pond. This is wonderful news for our residents.”

 

“Investing in infrastructure is always the right thing to do,” said State Representative Matthew Lesser (D-Middletown).  “This will protect lives and community assets.  As climate change produces stronger storms, it’s important to make necessary upgrades to our infrastructure so we can weather them.”

 

“I’m delighted that Governor Malloy is prioritizing funding for much needed infrastructure repairs here in Middletown,” said State Representative Joe Serra (D-Middletown).  “These are critical improvements to the Dooley Pond Dam and I am pleased the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will be addressing them with the $2.1 million in state bonds.”

$277 Million in Grants and Loans Approved for Projects in Hartford, Rocky Hill, Norwich, Middletown, New Haven, and Bristol

 

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that nearly $277 million to provide grants and loans for local and regional wastewater treatment projects in Hartford, Rocky Hill, Norwich, Middletown, New Haven, and Bristol was approved Friday by state Bond Commission.  It is estimated that the projects will create or retain approximately 5,700 jobs in the manufacturing, engineering and construction industries.

 

“As a result of the state’s strong financial support for municipal wastewater treatment projects, Connecticut’s rivers and streams and Long Island Sound are cleaner and more appealing than ever,” said Governor Malloy, who serves as chair of the commission.  “We want to build on our historic commitment to clean water with a strong new round of funding for these projects, which will improve our environment and enhance our communities while putting our citizens to work designing and constructing these critical facilities.”

 

A total of $94 million in General Obligation Bonds and about $183 million in Revenue Bonds were approved to finance wastewater treatment projects through Connecticut’s Clean Water Fund (CWF).  The General Obligation Bonds are used to provide grants for certain portions of these projects, while the Revenue Bonds are used to provide low-interest loans of two percent over 20 years for the remainder of the costs.

 

Projects to be funded with this new allocation include:

 

• The continued rollout of modernization and upgrades by the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), which provides wastewater treatment services for Hartford and several surrounding towns.
  • The CWF funds will support work at MDC’s water pollution control facilities (WPCF) in Hartford and Rocky Hill and allow work to proceed on a conveyance and storage tunnel in South Hartford.  A major focus of the MDC project is addressing Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) after major storms that leads to the discharge of sewage into the Connecticut River.

 

• Denitrification improvements at the Norwich treatment plant.

 

• Pump station improvements to support the consolidation of Middletown’s treatment plant into the Mattabassett District.

 

• Continued collection system improvements in the system operated by the Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority to eliminate CSOs in New Haven.

 

• Phosphorous removal improvements at the Bristol treatment plant.

 

Funds for these projects will be released from the CWF once contracts for construction have been awarded and all statutory and administrative requirements have been met.

 

“Connecticut’s Clean Water Fund is a model of state and local cooperation that has achieved very real results in protecting our natural resources and improving the quality of life in our state,” said Rob Klee, Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which administers the program.  “Through this program we have made investments that benefit all of us now as well as future generations of residents.”

 

The CWF was established in 1986 to provide financial assistance to municipalities for planning, design and construction of wastewater collection and treatment projects. Since that time it has provided $2.7 billion in grants and loans for projects in 95 communities.

 

(HARTFORD, CT) – On Thursday morning, Governor Dannel P. Malloy will join Travelers executives, PGA Tour officials and state and local leaders at a news conference in Hartford to discuss the future of the Travelers Championship in Connecticut.  Since Travelers took over as the title sponsor in 2007, the tournament has had an estimated economic impact of $160 million for the State of Connecticut and has generated over $7 million for charity.

 

Following that, Governor Malloy will give the keynote address at the “Next Generation Microgrids” conference in Hartford.

 

 

WHO: Governor Malloy, Travelers executives, PGA Tour officials, state and local leaders

WHAT: News conference to discuss the future of the Travelers Championship in Connecticut

WHEN: Thursday, February 27, 2014; 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: Connecticut Convention Center, Landing on the 4^th floor; 100 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford

 

———

 

WHO: Governor Malloy

WHAT: Governor Malloy keynotes “Next Generation Microgrids” conference

WHEN: Thursday, February 27, 2014; Event begins at 8:45 a.m., Governor Malloy to speak at 9:45 a.m.

WHERE: Hilton Hartford; 315 Trumbull Street, Hartford