On February 6, 2024, the Fairfield Police Department arrested Bin Sun) of Brooklyn, NY on charges of Criminal Attempt at Larceny 1st Degree following a reported scam targeting an elderly resident.
The investigation began when the victim received an email earlier in the day, purportedly from “Geek Squad,” falsely claiming a $525.00 purchase. To dispute the charge, the victim called the phone number provided in the email and spoke with a male who claimed to be a member of Geek Squad. Believing the interaction to be legitimate, the victim unsuspectingly provided bank account information and granted remote access to her computer, under the false pretense of receiving a refund.
The scammer manipulated the victim into believing a fictitious refund of $25,000.00 had been mistakenly processed. The victim was then coerced into withdrawing $20,000.00 in cash from her bank, with additional plans to collect $5,000.00 the following day. The scammer assured the victim that someone would stop by their home to collect the initial $20,000.
Fairfield Police Detectives, in collaboration with the victim, initiated a surveillance operation to apprehend the scammer. Detectives observed a vehicle park across from the victim’s home, matching the description provided by the scammer. The operator of the vehicle was subsequently identified as Bin Sun and was detained. Upon detaining Sun, a search revealed a substantial amount of cash on his person. Further investigation revealed that Sun had traveled from Brooklyn, NY, with the intent to fraudulently obtain funds.
Bin Sun was charged with Criminal Attempt at Larceny 1st Degree and was initially held on a $10,000.00 bond. He is scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on 02/20/2024. Sun was released from custody after posting the state-required minimum of 7% of his bond.
Pending charges represent allegations only. Arrest information does not indicate convictions. All arrested/accused persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Information may not be inclusive of recent arrests or events. Information should be used at your discretion as updates may be pending. Names and addresses may not be accurate at the time of posting.
Council voted unanimously against project in its present form
FAIRFIELD, CT – State Representative Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield), State Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield), and Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber today supported the Connecticut Siting Council’s unanimous vote against the United Illuminating (UI) Railroad Transmission Line Upgrade Project as proposed.
During Thursday’s Siting Council finding of fact meeting, the Council examined the submitted evidence and made a preliminary non-binding opinion on UI’s proposed project in Docket 516. Not one commissioner voted in support of UI’s project as proposed. Four commissioners, including the Chairman, supported the perspective that the new monopoles should be moved to the north side of the tracks, so as to avoid the creation of a second transmission corridor in such a congested region. One commissioner even voted no on the entire project.
Specific environmental concerns were also raised by the commissioners and will need to be addressed by UI in an updated plan to be resubmitted to the CT Siting Council.
“I wholeheartedly support the decision made by the Connecticut Siting Council today, with not one commissioner voting in favor of the plan as proposed. UI put forward an unreasonable proposal and today the Siting Council recognized that,” Rep. Leeper said. “This decision comes as a result of the passionate work of the people of Fairfield. Residents have been united in their opposition to this intrusive, destructive, and opaque plan, and have raised valid and specific concerns throughout this process. Today’s Siting Council decision shows that they took seriously the facts raised by intervenors, considered them closely, and are holding our electric utility to a reasonable standard. For this, I am tremendously grateful. This decision is non-binding and therefore, does not mark the end of our advocacy. Nonetheless, today, we breathe a small sigh of relief here in Fairfield and Bridgeport.”
“I am eager to review this report in detail,” Sen. Hwang said. “UI’s monopole project will adversely affect our communities in Bridgeport and Fairfield/Southport. It will negatively impact residents and businesses who are united in their objection to this disruptive project. UI’s lack of transparency during this process has been frustrating. That being said, it should be noted that the fight continues on this issue. The town, residents, and commercial intervenors will continue the fight for their rights and access to the facts in any manner they can. I am part of a bipartisan coalition of legislative leaders from Fairfield and Bridgeport which is united in our support of the towns, residents and commercial businesses. This is a fight for fairness. It is a fight to demand respect for ratepayers and their property rights.”
Town of Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber said, “Yesterday’s public deliberation is a significant step in the right direction. The Town appreciates the Siting Council’s consideration of the precious cultural resources to the south of the railroad tracks, including the historic properties, religious institutions, residences and businesses that all would have been devastated by UI’s preferred option. However, the Town still believes that undergrounding is the best solution for this project. We continue to have serious concerns about the potential impacts of a double-circuit design. There should be no easements over sensitive areas to the north of the railroad tracks, and the monopoles should not be taller than those that are currently there.”
Rep. Leeper represents the 132nd District, which includes Fairfield and Southport. Sen. Hwang represents the 28th District, which includes Fairfield, Bethel, Easton, and Newtown. First Selectman Berger was elected to serve Fairfield in 2023.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has announced a groundbreaking $350 million national settlement with Publicis Health, a global marketing and communications firm, to resolve investigations into its alleged role in the prescription opioid crisis. Connecticut, part of a ten-state executive committee leading the investigation, will receive nearly $4.44 million from the settlement to address the opioid crisis, along with $332,000 covering the costs of the extensive multistate inquiry. Publicis agreed to the settlement terms, acknowledging the harm caused by its conduct. The firm will publicly disclose thousands of internal documents related to its work for opioid companies like Purdue Pharma and cease accepting client work connected to opioid-based Schedule II or other Schedule III narcotics.
The settlement follows revelations in court documents describing Publicis’ contribution to the opioid crisis by assisting Purdue Pharma and other manufacturers in marketing and selling opioids. Publicis served as Purdue’s agency of record for all branded opioid drugs, developing sales tactics that relied on farming data from personal health-related conversations between patients and providers. The company played a pivotal role in Purdue’s decision to market OxyContin to providers through electronic health records. Connecticut, having lost 1,464 people to opioid overdoses in 2022 alone, sees the settlement as a crucial step in combatting the opioid crisis, with funds dedicated to treatment, prevention, and recovery. Attorney General Tong has been actively pursuing actions to hold those responsible for the crisis accountable, securing over $50 billion nationwide in the past five years, with Connecticut receiving $600 million for opioid epidemic initiatives. The Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee, composed of health professionals, individuals with lived experience, and state and municipal leaders, oversees the allocation and management of settlement funds. The multistate investigation was led by Colorado, with an executive committee including attorneys general from California, Connecticut, Idaho, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, and Vermont, joined by attorneys general from all states, territories, and the District of Columbia.
In Hartford, CT, Attorney General William Tong released a comprehensive report outlining the efforts of the Office of the Attorney General in educating consumers and businesses and enforcing compliance with the Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA) since its enactment on July 1, 2023. Mandated by the Act, the report, issued no later than February 1, discloses the number and nature of violations, the status of cured violations, and any relevant matters deemed significant by the Attorney General. The CTDPA, among the nation’s first and most robust consumer privacy laws, empowers consumers with rights to access, correct, and delete data, opt-out of personal data sale and targeted advertising. The report highlights actions taken since the law’s inception, including over a dozen notices of violation and broader information requests. Identified deficiencies in various industries encompassed lacking, inadequate, and confusing disclosures, as well as issues with rights mechanisms. The Attorney General emphasized the ongoing commitment to balancing privacy and data use in the global economy and presented the report to contribute to the evolving dialogue in this legal domain. For more information about the CTDPA, the public is directed to the Attorney General’s FAQ page. The report was prepared and reviewed by the entire Privacy Section, featuring Deputy Associate Attorney General Michele Lucan as Section Chief, along with assistant attorneys general and paralegal specialists.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the fiscal year 2025 budget adjustment proposal that he will present to lawmakers when they meet in February to convene the next legislative session will include a recommendation that licensure application fees required for workers to obtain certain jobs in the education, childcare, and healthcare fields be eliminated.
The governor said that he is proposing the change in an effort to encourage workers looking for employment to seek jobs in fields in which there is a significant need to fill available openings. The proposal will save these workers about $3.5 million annually.
“Right now, there are many job openings in essential fields that employers need to fill, and by eliminating these licensure application fees we can help encourage those who are seeking employment to consider entering a career in these sectors,” Governor Lamont said. “I am hopeful that legislators will agree and vote to approve these fee reductions.”
In particular, the governor is proposing the following changes:
Eliminate the initial application fee for educator certificates. Administered by the State Department of Education, this fee costs $200 and generates about $1,000,000 in annual revenue.
Eliminate the initial application fee for home childcare licenses. Administered by the Office of Early Childhood, the home childcare license fee costs $40 and the initial application fee for staff costs $15. Combined, they generate about $20,000 in annual revenue.
Eliminate the initial application fee for registered nurse licenses. Administered by the Department of Public Health, this fee costs $180 and generates about $2,005,000 in annual revenue.
Eliminate the initial application fee for practical nurse licenses. Administered by the Department of Public Health, this fee costs $150 and generates about $174,300 in annual revenue.
Eliminate the initial application fee for advanced practice registered nurse licenses. Administered by the Department of Public Health, this fee costs $200 and generates about $260,000 in annual revenue.
This is the first legislative proposal Governor Lamont has unveiled so far in 2024. He is set to deliver his State of the State and Budget Address on February 7, 2024, at noon. At that time, his full fiscal year 2025 budget adjustment proposal will be released, along with other legislative proposals that he is asking lawmakers to consider this year.
In a story we told you about while it was still breaking: Travis Jones, 35, was taken into custody on Monday night for the theft of an ice cream truck containing frozen treats valued at $30,000 from a business on Post Road, according to the West Haven police.
Jones was apprehended on Interstate 95 in Milford after the truck was pulled over by state troopers and members of a Bridgeport police task force, as reported by West Haven police.
The incident unfolded at approximately 9 p.m. on Monday when West Haven police received a 911 call reporting the theft of an ice cream truck from a Boston Post Road business, said Sgt. Patrick Buturla in a news release on Tuesday.
“The victim reported he was delivering ice cream when the truck was stolen from the parking lot,” Buturla stated.
In response, officers conducted a search in the area for the stolen truck, with one officer coordinating efforts with state troopers. The state police successfully located the truck traveling south on I-95 in Milford, according to Buturla.
“Officers assigned to the Bridgeport Police Auto Theft Task Force, in coordination with the Connecticut State Police, were able to bring the ice cream truck to a safe stop on the I-95 south Exit 27A off-ramp,” he added.
Jones was then taken to the West Haven police department, where he faces charges of first-degree larceny and larceny of a motor vehicle. He is being held on a $50,000 bond. The report did not disclose Jones’s place of residence.
On 01/06/2024 at approximately 12:15 AM, the Shelton Police were dispatched to the area of Howe Ave and White St on a report of a pedestrian lying in the roadway. Responding officers located an unresponsive female, later identified as 64-year-old Stephanie Peterson. Peterson was transported to Bridgeport Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
An investigation by Shelton Detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Team revealed that Peterson was stuck by a vehicle who evaded the scene. During the investigation the operator of the vehicle was identified as 19-year-old Ariela Treysler of Trumbull. An arrest warrant was later obtained for Treysler. On 01/25/2024 Treysler was arrested and charged with felony Evading Responsibly and released on a $50,000.00 bond. Treysler was given a Derby Superior court date of 02/16/2024.
***The charges in the press release are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until
Companies Knew Decades Ago that PFAS Chemicals Cause Significant Harm to Human Health
Remediation in Connecticut Alone to Cost Billions of Dollars
(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today filed two lawsuits against 28 chemical manufacturers responsible for knowingly contaminating Connecticut waters and natural resources and harming public health with toxic PFAS “forever chemicals.” The two complaints seek to hold the companies responsible for dangerous PFAS chemical contamination from two sources—aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting, and chemicals used in manufacturing and added to consumer products, such as food packaging, cookware, carpeting, upholstery, clothing, and cosmetics, to make products resistant to stains, water, and heat.
Today, nearly all humans have PFAS in their blood. PFAS chemicals are toxic and can persist in the environment indefinitely. PFAS chemicals can travel through the environment, including into drinking water sources, and accumulate in human blood. Even modest releases of PFAS can cause widespread pollution and damage. PFAS is known to cause severe adverse human health effects, including increased risk of kidney, breast, pancreas, prostate, and testicular cancers, liver damage, decreased birth weight and birth defects, decreased vaccine response, high cholesterol, infertility, and diabetes.
The complaints seek both injunctive and monetary relief—compelling the companies to dispose of their toxic chemical stocks, abate all pollution in Connecticut, disclose all research, and to compensate the state for past and future remediation and testing expenses. The complaints seek tens of thousands of dollars per day in penalties for widespread violations of numerous state laws dating back decades.
“PFAS chemicals are a toxic menace to human health and our environment. These companies knew the truth decades ago, and they buried the evidence and lied to all of us. Because of that, we are dealing with widespread contamination of drinking water and natural resources across Connecticut. We are seeking to hold some of the world’s largest chemical manufacturers accountable for this massive public health and environmental catastrophe. We are demanding that these companies pay to remediate this pollution and are penalized so that nothing like this ever happens again. We are also demanding that these companies come clean and disclose all of their hidden research to ensure our state, and our country, has what we need to remediate this threat and protect families,” said Attorney General Tong.
“Occupational cancer is the number one killer of firefighters and is responsible for nearly 75% of annual Line-of-Duty deaths. Exposure to PFAS chemicals is a leading factor in our increased risk. We need to hold these manufacturers accountable and remove these deadly carcinogens from our equipment, stationwear, and turnout gear so that the next generation of firefighters can remain cancer-free,” said Peter Brown, President of the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association.
In 2021, Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 21-191, which enacted a law prohibiting PFAS from being used in firefighting foam and food packaging.
“In recent years we’ve enacted strict laws in Connecticut banning the use of PFAS in certain products because these toxic chemicals can easily get into our water streams and can cause significant harm to drinking water,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “There are safer alternatives that companies can use, and those that continue to manufacture products containing PFAS are potentially causing harm to the people who live and visit our state.”
“DEEP applauds the efforts of Attorney General Tong and his staff in pursuing legal action against those responsible for the presence of PFAS pollution in Connecticut’s environment,” said Katie Dykes, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. “Identifying and minimizing the risk posed to Connecticut residents by these ‘forever chemicals’ has been a priority of the Lamont Administration since the creation of the Connecticut Interagency PFAS Task Force in 2019. Since that time, DEEP has been hard at work, along with its sister agencies on the Task Force, conducting sampling to identify the presence of PFAS in our state, and implementing measures to remove PFAS from our environment and minimize future releases, including a successful AFFF takeback program, and banning most AFFF uses and intentionally-added PFAS in food packaging.”
“Corporations need to be held accountable for their environmental and health impacts, especially when they knowingly cause harm. By filing this complaint, we strive to deter future harm to public health and obtain critical information to address the damage to Connecticut residents from harmful chemicals like PFAS,” said Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli.
“Because PFAS contaminants have been introduced into our communities, public health has had to identify a path forward to protect the residents of Connecticut. The Connecticut Department of Public Health has established drinking water action levels for 10 PFAS which have been identified to have the most impact on human health,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, who co-chairs the State’s PFAS Task Force. “DPH recommends that all public water systems test their drinking water for PFAS and those that exceed a drinking water action level take steps to inform their customers and limit exposure. Residents of Connecticut deserve to know that when they turn on the tap, the water they drink is safe.”
Commissioner Juthani added that anyone interested in learning more about PFAS and the DPH drinking water action levels for PFAS can visit ct.gov/dph/pfas.
“We applaud and support Attorney General Tong’s lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers and distributors,’’ said Ronnell Higgins, Commissioner of the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “The department, through its Fire Prevention and Control Division, continues to partner with local fire departments to eliminate AFFF foam containing the deadly chemical PFAS. Working with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, we collected and disposed of over 35,000 gallons of AFFF containerized firefighting foam from fire departments statewide. Currently, with the Governor and General Assembly’s support, we created a program for municipalities and fire districts to be reimbursed for the cost of draining, rinsing and proper disposal of AFFF from fire pumper trucks with on-board foam systems. This effort will continue for some time as it is estimated over 400 fire apparatus throughout Connecticut have foam systems on their apparatus.”
“As a nurse and environmental health advocate, I want to thank Attorney General Tong and his staff for their strong and consistent leadership on holding polluters accountable for the harms caused by toxic PFAS chemicals. The Attorney General’s action assures that the burden of dealing with this toxic contamination does not fall on the backs of Connecticut residents or the state,” said Anne Hulick, Connecticut Director for Clean Water Action.
PFAS Contamination in Connecticut
PFAS contamination in Connecticut is well documented and widespread. In Connecticut alone, thousands of sites are contaminated with PFAS.
PFAS products have contaminated public water systems in Manchester and Norwalk, among other areas. PFAS have been detected in the Connecticut River in Hartford, in Farmington and Windsor on the Farmington River, in Vernon on the Hockanum River, in Beacon Falls on the Naugatuck River, in Bristol on the Pequabuck River, in Wallingford on the Quinnipiac River, and in Somers on the Scantic River. The Connecticut Department of Health has issued PFAS-related consumption advisories for fish caught throughout or in portions of the Connecticut, Farmington, Hockanum, Housatonic, Natchaug, Naugatuck, Pequabuck, Quinnipiac, Scantic, Shetucket, Still, Tankerhoosen, and Willimantic rivers. State agencies are currently investigating PFAS contamination of shellfish beds in the Long Island Sound.
Contamination specific to AFFF firefighting foam is also well documented. PFAS have been detected in private wells and the town’s water supply in Killingworth, attributable to discharge of AFFF foam at the Fire Training Area and Fire Department in Killingworth. Numerous additional locations are known to be contaminated by AFFF products, including Cherry Brook Primary School in Canton, the Farmington River due to discharges at Bradley International Airport, communities in New London and Groton near the Naval Submarine Base, Windham near the Eastern Connecticut Fire School, and more. PFAS contamination attributable to AFFF has been detected in drinking water in East Hampton and at the Mystic Oral School for the Deaf in Groton.
Since 2001, the State is aware of at least 200 reported emergency incidents where AFFF was likely deployed.
The state has already invested substantial time and funds to address PFAS contamination in Connecticut. In 2019, after tens of thousands of gallons of water along with PFAS-containing firefighting foam spilled from the private Signature Flight hangar at Bradley Airport into the Farmington River, Governor Ned Lamont established the Interagency PFAS Task Force. The Task Force led by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, was charged with developing a statewide PFAS strategy, released in November 2019.
In 2021, the state banned use of AFFF in most circumstances and required DEEP to implement an AFFF take-back program. Since then, over 35,000 gallons of AFFF concentrate have been recovered from 250 municipal fire departments. The take-back program still needs to replace and dispose of AFFF contained in approximately 342 municipal fire trucks, and additional fire boats, fire extinguishers and other containers of AFFF concentrate.
Manufacturers Knew the Dangers, Buried the Evidence, and Lied to the Public
The complaints charge that the companies knew as early as the 1950s that PFAS chemicals were toxic, highly persistent, and likely to spread to groundwater and contaminate the environment. Instead of protecting the public, the companies buried the evidence, lied to the public, and continued to manufacture products they knew were killing people and causing permanent environmental harm.
Testing conducted by 3M in the 1970s found a “universal presence” of PFAS in human blood samples across the United States mirroring chemicals used in its Scotchgard and Teflon products. Animal studies in the 1970s led 3M to conclude that PFAS “should be regarded as highly toxic.” One such study was aborted when all test monkeys died within the first days or weeks of ingesting PFAS-contaminated food. The company moved women employees “of childbearing potential” off its production lines, yet continued to claim publicly that its products were “safe” and refused to cease production. DuPont was similarly aware, issuing internal warnings as early as the 1960s that the chemicals should be “handled with extreme care.” In 1964, DuPont employees working in Teflon manufacturing developed chills, fever, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest—symptoms identified as “Teflon flu.” In 1980, the company internally confirmed, but never publicly acknowledged that PFAS “is toxic,” that the chemicals accumulate in human tissues, and that “continued exposure is not tolerable.” The company knew that PFAS could cross the placenta from an exposed woman to her fetus, yet concealed its knowledge and misled its employees and the public about these risks.
In 1981, DuPont began secretly monitoring female employees exposed to PFAS and conducted blood sampling of those who were pregnant. Of the eight women who gave birth during this period, two of the eight children were born with defects to their eyes and face, and a third child had PFAS detected in their umbilical cord.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency filed administrative actions against both 3M and DuPont for concealing what they knew about the dangers of PFAS, securing a $16.5 million settlement with DuPont in 2005 and a $1.5 million settlement with 3M in 2006.
3M, DuPont and others in the industry concealed the truth about PFAS and pushed for continued use of the chemicals it knew to be highly dangerous. The Fire Fighting Foam Coalition was formed in 2001, representing manufacturers of AFFF firefighting foams. The Coalition worked together to protect PFAS products from scrutiny, and to enable the continued use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam, including by the military and aviation industry.
Charges and Requested Relief
The AFFF complaint lists 20 counts against 28 defendants, including public nuisance, trespass, negligence, fraud and negligent misrepresentation, civil conspiracy, violations of the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act, violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, and violations of the Connecticut Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act.
The non-AFFF complaint lists 16 counts against six defendants, including public nuisance, trespass, negligence, violations of the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act, violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, and violations of the Connecticut Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act.
The complaints seek both injunctive and monetary relief, including ordering the companies to abate all PFAS pollution in Connecticut, remove and dispose of AFFF stocks in Connecticut, and release all research related to PFAS health and environmental effects, and compensatory damages related to PFAS pollution to natural resources and properties. The complaint seeks to recover past and future costs related to testing and monitoring of PFAS and remediation of harm to drinking water, soil, and wildlife. The complaints further seek civil penalties of tens of thousands of dollars per day for various violations of state laws, and compensation for all expenses paid by the state in responding to PFAS pollution.
Assistant Attorneys General Christopher Kelly, Michael Lynch and Julia Suesser and Deputy Associate Attorney General Matthew Levine, Chief of the Environment Section assisted the Attorney General in this matter.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Housing Commissioner Seila-Mosquera Bruno today announced that the Connecticut Department of Housing is awarding $12.1 million in grants to eight municipalities for upgrades that will modernize and rehabilitate housing for low and moderate-income individuals, as well as community infrastructure.
The grants are being awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Housing with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Eligible projects are required to be in a municipality with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents.
“These grants go a long way in improving neighborhoods so that we can make our communities more attractive and encourage economic growth for the benefit of all our residents,” Governor Lamont said. “I thank Connecticut’s Congressional delegation and the Biden administration for securing this funding for our state’s smaller communities.”
“These awards will help the quality of life for Connecticut residents in our state-sponsored housing portfolio,” Commissioner Mosquera-Bruno said. “These properties serve households with some of the greatest needs. The Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority continue working with the intent to address our portfolio while leveraging the CDBG Small Cities funding. These federal funds give us flexibility, allowing us to assist municipalities while leveraging different resources.”
The recipients of this round of CDBG Small Cities program grants are as follows:
Jewett City – Improvements for Wastewater Treatment Plant ($600,000): The proposed program is an infrastructure project that will provide funding to perform flood control measures at the Jewett City Wastewater Treatment Plant. A concrete wall along the Quinebaug River will be constructed and the elevation of the access road will be raised. This project is of major concern to the citizens of Jewett City because in 2010 the facility was nearly lost to flooding that occurred due to torrential rains where over 13 inches of rain fell within 30 hours. During that time, the river water breached its banks and encroached onto the grounds of the plant to a depth of four to six feet in areas abutting the buildings. The flood control wall will alleviate any such future hazard.
Morris – East Street Housing ($1,000,000): This includes the design and building of infrastructure for the proposed affordable housing project. The nature of East Street Housing is to provide affordable housing to people in the Morris and surrounding area in search of a better quality of living and avoid having to relocate and move to another location to find adequate, affordable living accommodations proposed affordable housing project.
Rocky Hill – Rehabilitation of 36 Willow Road ($2,000,000): The renovations include replacing the roofing materials on seven of the nine buildings; replacing rotted rake and fascia materials on all buildings; upgrading the existing handicap units; installing walk-in showers in all remaining units; installing new windows in all units and the community building; repairing fire alarms; replacing exhaust fans; installing new flooring; and making site improvements, including paving, creation of additional handicap parking, and pavement markings.
Scotland – Town Hall ADA Improvements ($1,500,000): The focus of the renovations will be on the removal of architectural barriers to accessing the building and providing access to and within the building at all levels. Renovations will include immediate and urgent repairs including roof and truss repairs, and replacement of damaged siding, sills, and exterior enclosures, including windows and doors. This also includes removal of environmental hazards, including lead-based paint, asbestos, and mold, as well as the repair and repainting of fire escape structures. Included in the renovations will be the addition of an elevator to allow ADA access to all levels and offices within the town hall. ADA renovations will also address repairs to the entry ramp and stairs, railings, bathrooms, doors, and hallway widths, as well as dedicated handicap parking at the base of the elevator without having to use the state highway for wheelchair access. A new parking area will be constructed in the gravel parking and maintenance access around the building.
Vernon – Grove Court and Grove Court Extension Renovations ($1,000,000): The scope of work consists of asphalt roof replacement on all buildings. New seamless white aluminum gutters with leaf screens and downspouts will also be installed to divert the water away from the building’s foundation. Asbestos abatement will also be performed in all buildings. Additional work includes upgrades to the existing ADA units for current compliance and renovation of six units total to achieve the required 10% compliance for ADA accommodations. The community room laundry and bathrooms are also scheduled to be renovated to meet current ADA compliance design requirements.
Wethersfield – Renovations at Harvey Fuller Senior Housing ($2,000,000): This scope includes abatement of asbestos in mastic, where needed; repairing the building’s deteriorated slab and rusted piping in slabs; installing new flooring throughout; replacing bathroom sinks, tub/showers, exhaust fans, ceiling lights and grab bars; replace ductless heat pumps at each apartment; and installation of a generator at the community building. It also includes adding alternates when bidding for the installation of a ductless heat pump at the community building, replacing bath fixtures in the community building, and unit pricing for replacing kitchen exhaust fans throughout the units.
Windham – Improvements At Father Honan Terrace ($2,000,000): This scope includes renovating all unit kitchens and bathrooms including low flow fixtures, HE toilets, Energy Star appliances, and additional ADA upgrades to the existing ADA units; Community Room ADA upgrades to the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and doors; interior and exterior LED lighting upgrades; replacing interior doors and hardware; additional attic insulation; upgrades to the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; replacement of heat pumps; installation of a backup generator; upgrades to the call for aid system; interior painting; and water heater replacements.
Windsor – Shad Run Terrace Housing Modernization ($2,000,000): The renovations include the installation of new energy-efficient windows; installation of new energy-efficient exterior doors and hardware; replacement of storm and screen doors; installation of new vinyl siding; replacement of asphalt shingle roofing and gutters system; and unit PTAC systems.
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and other members of Congress on Thursday announced that they will introduce a bipartisan, bicameral concurrent resolution in support of the United States Soccer Federation’s bid for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which would be hosted jointly by the United States and Mexico. The full text of the Senate Concurrent Resolution can be read here. The full text of the House Concurrent Resolution can be read here.
Murphy is leading the resolution along with U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-Ill.-16), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.-2), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-2), and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.-14), are also leading the resolution from the side of the House of Representatives. The resolution highlights the New Heights Bid Committee’s efforts to bring the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to the United States and Mexico and the positive impact hosting the tournament would have on the United States.
“Women’s soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and no country is better positioned to showcase the sport than the United States,” said the members in a joint statement. “The Women’s FIFA World Cup is poised to break attendance records, generate economic growth and tourism, and lead to further development in women’s soccer and youth sports. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a plethora of potential host cities, holding the tournament in the United States would set a new standard for quality and security. We look forward to working with the White House, relevant federal agencies, and our state and local partners to support the efforts of the U.S. Soccer Federation to bring the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to the United States.”
“We are incredibly thankful for the support from Congress for the U.S. Soccer’s New Heights Bid to bring the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to the United States and Mexico. Women’s soccer has seen increased investments and groundbreaking achievements in revenue, viewership, and participation across the globe. Our joint bid not only promises to set attendance and financial records but also underscores our commitment to gender equality by hosting back-to-back Men’s and Women’s World Cups. The financial success we can generate by hosting the Women’s World Cup will also have an incredible impact on women’s soccer across the globe. Our vision is to have the proceeds garnered from the tournament thoughtfully distributed to every Federation, thus propelling the advancement of the women’s game and fostering a sustained impact on the growth and development of women’s soccer. We are confident the United States and Mexico can host the largest women’s sporting event in history, fostering international goodwill, and inspiring young players worldwide and showcasing limitless possibilities in women’s soccer,” said U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone.
Soccer remains one of the most popular sports in the world and in the United States, and the women’s game continues to see exponential growth. The FIFA Women’s World Cup is an international soccer competition featuring the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) women’s national teams. The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) is the most successful Women’s National Team in the World, winning four Women’s World Cups in 1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019. The United States previously hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1999 and 2003, which are both considered successes and catalysts for increased interest in women’s soccer across North America.
The Congressional Soccer Caucus is an organization consisting of Members of Congress to promote, educate, and raise awareness on issues both domestic and international pertaining to sport. The Soccer Caucus coordinates a variety of briefings and events focused on creating awareness of how sports like soccer can be leveraged to transform communities and ensure that children reach their full potential.
In 2018, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives agreed to a resolution in support of the U.S. Soccer Federation’s successful bid for the upcoming 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
