PRESS RELEASE: VTD2GO Micro Transit Service Rolls Out on April 1st.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2024

Contact:
Richard Donovan
Transportation Planning Director
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
203-757-0535
rdonovan@nvcogct.gov

VTD2GO Microtransit Service Rolls Out on April 1st.

Derby, CT – Valley Transit District is pleased to announce the launch of its new micro transit service, VTD2GO, which will be available to users beginning April 1, 2024. The on-demand service will be offered Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., providing convenient transportation options for people commuting within a defined service area in Derby, Ansonia, and Shelton, CT. The service area map is available at www.valleytransit.org/vtd2go-micro-transit.

Microtransit is a flexible on-demand transportation service that operates like a cross between ride-sharing and traditional public transit. The service will provide residents and visitors with a flexible and affordable transportation option with rides priced at just $2 per trip. To kick off the program, the first ride will be free for all passengers. To use the microtransit service, riders can download the “VTD2GO” app (available on Apple iOS & Google Play) or call the designated phone number at 203-735-6408 to schedule a ride.

The VTD2GO service, provided in partnership with VIA Mobility LLC, aims to fill transportation gaps and increase accessibility for riders, particularly during evening hours, in a service area where no other options exist. The service will complement existing bus routes and transit hubs by providing seamless connections to CT Transit, Greater Bridgeport Transit, and Metro North services.

“We are excited to introduce this much needed service to our community”, said Mark Pandolfi, Executive Director of Valley Transit District. “This initiative reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our riders and enhancing overall transit accessibility.”

The microtransit program is currently scheduled to operate through April of 2025. For questions and more information about Valley Transit District and its VTD2GO service, please visit www.valleytransit.org/vtd2go-micro-transit or call the office phone number at 203-735-6824. Funding for this new service is provided by The Connecticut Department of Transportation.

About Valley Transit District

Valley Transit District (VTD) is a public transit district that has been providing paratransit services since 1971, including paratransit services and ADA paratransit services for the New Haven CT Transit fixed route service. VTD also provides non-ADA Dial-A-Ride services to member municipalities in Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, and Shelton, operates the Bridgeport Ave Commuter Shuttle, and has contracts with various social services agencies. VTD’s drivers, dispatchers, and maintenance staff are professionally trained and are members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU). The company places a strong emphasis on passenger safety, customer service and compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations, including the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Click to download

News Release: Governor Lamont Announces Launch of Microtransit Services in Connecticut

Click here to access the press release from the office of Governor Ned Lamont

Published on March 25, 2024

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto today announced that new microtransit services will begin in various communities throughout Connecticut between March 26, 2024, and July 30, 2024. These services are part of a pilot program in which nine transit districts and municipalities were awarded funding through the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to develop and pilot on-demand microtransit service.

Microtransit service is an accessible, on-demand mode of transportation that allows customers to use a smartphone app or telephone number to request and schedule a ride within designated service areas. The pilot program will last for two years with the possibility of two one-year extensions exercisable by CTDOT, based on performance and ridership. 

“This new program will help seniors and people with disabilities travel in parts of our state that have historically been underserved by public transportation,” Governor Lamont said. “These services allow people to use an app or phone number to request and schedule a ride within designated areas, connecting them to restaurants, entertainment, rail stations, airports, and critical services.” 

“Microtransit brings public transportation to communities that have lacked fixed route bus service,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “Thank you to Governor Ned Lamont and the state legislature for the continued investment in high-quality public transportation that eliminates gaps between communities and increases access and mobility throughout our state.” 

On-demand microtransit services will begin on a staggered basis in the following locations: 

Starting March 26, 2024

  • Norwalk Transit District: Serving Norwalk. 

Starting April 1, 2024 

  • Greater Hartford Transit: Serving Enfield and portions of East Windsor.
  • Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Serving Groton.
  • Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Serving New London.
  • Valley Transit District: Serving the Ansonia Train Station, Derby, and Shelton. 

Starting April 6, 2024

  • Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Stonington HOP, additional service hours on existing services to include Saturday service. 

Starting April 8, 2024 

  • Milford Transit: Serving Milford. 

Starting April 22, 2024

  • Greater Bridgeport Transit: Serving Trumbull. 

Starting May 6, 2024 

  • Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): New London Smart: Service to include late night service on existing microtransit services.
  • Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Serving Waterford. 

Starting May 28, 2024

  • River Valley Transit (Estuary Transit): Serving Madison, Guilford, and portions of East Hampton and Middletown. 

Starting July 1, 2024

  • City of Stamford: Serving a five-mile boundary within the city. 

Starting July 30, 2024 

  • City of New Haven: Serving the Hill, West River, Dwight, Edgewood, Beaver Hills, and West Rock neighborhoods with connections to existing transit services. 

In addition to this new pilot program, existing microtransit services in Connecticut include XtraMile (River Valley Transit), Wheels 2U Norwalk and Wheels 2U Westport (Norwalk Transit District), and New London Smart Ride and Stonington HOP Service (Southeast Area Transit District).

For more information on all of Connecticut’s microtransit services, visit portal.ct.gov/dot/publictrans/bureau-of-public-transportation/microtransit-services

The latest episode of Along the Lines, a podcast produced by CTDOT, discusses the pilot program and the benefits and transformative potential of microtransit in shaping the future of public transportation in Connecticut. This episode can be accessed at www.alongthelinesct.com.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
860-594-3062
CTDOTMedia@ct.gov

PRESS RELEASE: The NVCOG is Hosting a Backyard Composter and Rain Barrel Sale at the Seymour Community Center 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2024 

Contact:
Aaron Budris
Environmental Planning Director
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
abudris@nvcogct.gov

The NVCOG is Hosting a Backyard Composter and Rain Barrel Sale at the Seymour Community Center 

The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) is offering backyard composters, rain barrels, and related accessories at wholesale prices to residents of the Naugatuck Valley Region. Residents can pre-order at the NVCOG online store (connecticut.compostersale.com/nvcog2/) through Thursday, May 2, 2024. Please note that items will not be sold at the event; this is a pick-up event only. Items will be available for pick-up on Saturday, May 4, 2024, between 10 am – 1 pm at the Seymour Community Center, 20 Pine Street, Seymour, CT.  

Backyard composters are a great way for residents to turn food and yard waste into valuable compost that can be used to amend soil for vegetables, flowers, and lawns. Composting complements principles from the food waste diversion pilots that were recently undertaken with CT DEEP grants in four Naugatuck Valley municipalities. Rain barrels can provide a reliable source of chemical free water for outdoor uses such as watering lawns and gardens by collecting rainwater. Over the last three years, Naugatuck Valley residents have purchased 248 composters, representing the maximum possible capacity to remove an estimated 124,000 lbs. of organics from the regional waste stream annually, as well as 206 rain barrels.    

In providing these products at affordable prices and promoting their use to residents, the NVCOG strives to help communities reduce the volume and cost of municipal solid waste disposal by diverting organics from the waste stream and help conserve drinking water by providing an alternative water source for outdoor needs. The public is encouraged to visit the NVCOG webpage for more information and resources on backyard composting, including a video of an informational workshop with a Master Composter.   

Public Information Meeting Open House – City of Waterbury RAISE Projects

On behalf of the City of Waterbury and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), you are invited to a public open house for the City of Waterbury RAISE projects on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The City of Waterbury received a RAISE Grant from FHWA to undertake projects in the downtown Waterbury area that are intended to improve mobility and connectivity. The City is developing designs for Phase 2 of the Waterbury Greenway Trail as well as pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular improvements along West Main Street, and the installation of two electric vehicle charging stations at the Waterbury Train Station.

Please join us for a Public Information Meeting on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM to learn about the project and provide comments. The open house will be held in-person at: City Hall, 2nd Floor Veteran’s Memorial Hall 235 Grand Street Waterbury, CT 06702.

There is a meeting flyer attached with additional information. You can also visit the project’s website for more information at https://www.waterburyct.org/RAISE.

We hope to see you at the public open house on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Thank you!

Meeting Flyer (PDF)

PRESS RELEASE: Household Hazardous Waste and Paint Collection Scheduled for Saturday, April 27 in Ansonia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2024 

Contact:
NVCOG
203-757-0535
https://nvcogct.gov/HHW

Household Hazardous Waste and Paint Collection Scheduled for Saturday, April 27 in Ansonia 

Do you have paints, cleaners, and other chemicals in your home that you need to dispose of? The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) and participating municipalities will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Paint Collection event on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The collection will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ansonia Public Works facility, located at 1 North Division Street, Ansonia, CT 06401. 

The collection is open to residents of the following communities: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethlehem, Derby, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Prospect, Seymour, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott, and Woodbury. There is no charge to residents. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, tax bill, or other identification, is required for entry. There is no need to line up before the 8 a.m. start time. 

Hazardous waste consists of poisonous, flammable, and corrosive materials that are harmful to human health if not disposed of properly. The only waste that will be accepted is hazardous waste produced by households. Materials generated by a commercial enterprise or non-profit entity will not be accepted. A full list of acceptable and unacceptable materials can be viewed at nvcogct.gov/hhw 

Examples of wastes that will be accepted include:  oil- and latex-based paints and stains, thermometers and thermostats containing mercury, drain and oven cleaners, upholstery cleaners, wood cleaners, strippers and varnishes, pesticides, poisons, pool and photo chemicals, automotive cleaners and fluids, gasoline and motor oil, grease and rust solvents, aerosols, and metal polishes. 

Items that will not be accepted include: auto batteries, propane tanks over 1 lb., compressed gas cylinders, asbestos, smoke detectors, explosives, radioactive or medical waste, grout, joint compound, lead paint chips, and empty containers of any kind.  Aerosol containers will not be accepted unless they contain a non-paint chemical. Empty aerosols that contain food products can be recycled. Full or partially full spray paint, full or partially full food products, and empty chemical aerosol containers can be placed in the trash. The contractor reserves the right to reject additional materials.  

Up to 50 lbs. of residential waste will be accepted per vehicle. Residents should leave materials in the original container whenever possible. When arriving at the collection site, residents must remain in their cars at all times. Trained waste handlers will remove materials from the cars. 

Unacceptable materials will be returned or left in the vehicle and information, if known, will be provided on how to dispose of them. For further information, please contact hhw@nvcogct.gov or call (203) 757-0535. 

 

PRESS RELEASE: Connecticut Congressional Delegation & Governor Lamont Announce More than $21.8 Million For Transportation Projects

Click here to access the press release from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Published on 03/13/2024

[HARTFORD, CT] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives John B. Larson (D-CT), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Jim Himes (D-CT), and Jahana Hayes (D-CT) joined Governor Ned Lamont and CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto to announce $21.8 million in federal funding for pedestrian and road safety projects in Connecticut.

The federal funding comes from the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program through the Inflation Reduction Act, and will fund projects in Norwalk, Stamford, Bridgeport, Hartford, Naugatuck and Western Connecticut. 

“This unprecedented investment will make Connecticut’s roadways safer for all and reconnect communities that have long been disconnected and divided by highways. With this $21.8 million in federal funding, Connecticut communities will transform road and pedestrian safety, and make access to reliable transportation easier for all, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

“The way that many Connecticut cities are designed has cut neighborhoods off from each other. This almost $22 million will support projects across the state to improve road safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, make public transit more accessible to everyone, and reconnect neighborhoods. Projects like these have impacts far beyond transportation – they create good-paying jobs and revitalize our downtowns, and I’m glad to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to pay dividends,” said Murphy.

“As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to ensuring our investments deliver for the American people,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “The funding provided to local transit projects in Connecticut will go a long way to rebuilding our crumbling roads, sidewalks, rail infrastructure, and more.”

“Too many communities across the Fifth District and Connecticut are disconnected due to poor transportation options, forcing residents to travel long distances to seek basic needs like health care and education. It is great to see nearly $22 million of federal funding being invested into bridging these gaps and connecting more communities. Improved transit access not only sparks economic development but makes our neighborhoods more equitable for all,” said Congresswoman Hayes.

“The Connecticut delegation fought for the inclusion of the “Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program” in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to end the isolation caused by the construction of I-84 and I-91, particularly in Hartford and East Hartford,” said Congressman Larson. This grant will advance efforts to reclaim the riverfront, reconnect Hartford’s North End with the rest of the city, and promote multimodal transit. Notably, this project brings us closer to achieving the longstanding goal of recapturing the riverfront in Hartford. Burying I-91 from the Founders Bridge to Dillon Stadium will unlock direct access to the Connecticut River and create new pedestrian and bicycle routes for communities on both sides of the river. I commend Governor Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Transportation and I look forward to working with them to fix the Hartford region’s past planning mistakes and move the interests of the community forward.” 

“I am thrilled to see federal funds help connect our communities and make our thoroughfares safer and more accessible so that commuters can get to work, children to school, and families to visit relatives a town over with ease and peace of mind. As an avid biker myself, I understand the importance of dedicated infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists so that every member of our community can easily traverse our cities and enjoy Southwest Connecticut’s vibrant natural spaces and bustling commercial areas,” Congressman Himes said.

“These federal funds are going to increase safety and mobility throughout Connecticut. Much of our state’s infrastructure was designed and built for cars and cut off communities from one another. By refocusing on pedestrians and bicyclists, the state can have roadways that work for everyone. Thank you to President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg, and our entire federal delegation for providing these funds that improve safety and reconnect communities,” said Governor Lamont.

“The Greater Hartford Mobility Study is a generational investment that will improve safety, reduce congestion, reconnect the city and provide greater access to the riverfront and open space. From redesigned highways to improved local roads and new public transportation services and additional bicyclist and pedestrian amenities, the Greater Hartford Mobility Study is a transformational project that benefits all roadway users,” said Commissioner Eucalitto.

More information on the projects that received funding can be found below:

  • $17 million for the city of Stamford for the West Side Neighborhood Connector Project.

This project will fund a 12-foot-wide neighborhood greenway to connect residents of the West Side neighborhood past I-95 to the Metro-North Railroad Line, and the South State Street area to Downtown Stamford and the South End neighborhoods.

  • $600,000 for MetroCOG for Bringing Resilient, Interconnected Development to the East End of Bridgeport.

This community planning grant will analyze the Interstate 95 (Exit 29), Seaview Avenue, Stratford Avenue and Connecticut Avenue intersection in the East End of Bridgeport, Connecticut. The study will evaluate current and future uses and provide a forum for robust public engagement to better align the transportation infrastructure with the goals and needs of the East End and the City of Bridgeport.

  • $600,000 for the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency for the MLK Community Reconnection Project.

This project will build on the work of the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency for the MLK Community Reconnection Project to improve pedestrian safety and remediate safety risks posed by I-95 and the care centric corridor it created.

  • $2 million for CTDOT for the Greater Hartford Mobility Study (GHMS): River Gateway.

Hartford/East Hartford has four distinct components that will strengthen the City of Hartford’s connections to the Connecticut River, East Hartford, and reconnect the Downtown to the surrounding neighborhoods which have had limited access due to the barrier created by Interstate I-91 in the mid-20th century. The Project includes the capping of I-91 from the Founders Bridge to Dillon Stadium and the creation of a surface boulevard, redesigning Whitehead Highway as an urban boulevard from Pulaski Circle to the west and the riverfront to the east and creating a new local bridge over the Connecticut River with bicycle and pedestrian amenities between the Whitehead Highway and Riverfront Boulevard to East River Drive in East Hartford. The creation of the region’s highway system, including I-91, disconnected neighborhoods from each other and resources in Hartford and East Hartford, which directly impacts residents’ income and overall health.

  • $652,800 for the Borough of Naugatuck for the Eastside-Westside Connectivity and Rail Mitigation Planning Project.

Project will provide planning funding to enable construction of a pedestrian connection, linking the Borough of Naugatuck’s Metro North Rail Line and the downtown core in the west with the Naugatuck River Greenway Trail and State Route Highway 8 in the east. The east and west sides are currently disconnected by the Metro North Rail Line and the Naugatuck River, with affordable and market rate housing developments taking shape on either side of the river.

  • $1 million for WestCOG for the Western Connecticut Regional Transit Study.

Southwestern Connecticut is served by three transit agencies providing fixed route, paratransit and other bus services to one of three cities and surrounding areas in the region. These funds will be used to study barriers to using transit systems and provide solutions that ensure efficiency and affordability.

Latest News: Coe Pond Dam Issue Gains Traction in Media Coverage

The pressing concern surrounding the condition of the Coe Pond Dam on the Kinneytown property has garnered significant attention from various news outlets. Multiple media sources have reported on the findings of the recent inspection report, emphasizing the potential risks to public safety and infrastructure posed by the dam’s deficiencies. Read the original press release published by the NVCOG on March 11, 2024. 

Stay Updated

Click the article titles below from news sources covering the issue. 

PRESS RELEASE: Dam on Kinneytown Property at Risk of Breach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11, 2024

Contact:
Rick Dunne
Executive Director
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
203-757-0535
rdunne@nvcogct.gov

Aaron Budris
Director of Environmental Planning
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
203-489-0362
abudris@nvcogct.gov

Dam on Kinneytown Property at Risk of Breach

ANSONIA, CT – As part of the Kinneytown Dam Removal Project, the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) received an inspection report last week that determined a secondary dam on the property is in poor condition. The report has identified deficiencies at the Coe Pond Dam that, if not addressed, pose an immediate threat to public safety with the potential for loss of human life and property damage.

Kinneytown Dam, currently owned by Kinneytown Hydro Inc., is a federally regulated hydroelectric facility on the Naugatuck River consisting of two dams with non-functioning powerhouses in Seymour and Ansonia, CT. The NVCOG, representing 19 municipalities in west-central Connecticut, has been working with a coalition of partners to acquire and remove the non-operational Dam. Their goal in pursuing this project is to restore the river to its natural course, restore migratory fish passage, eliminate dam safety concerns, reduce up and down-stream flood risk, improve water quality, restore natural sediment flows, and restore access to the Naugatuck River for residents and visitors.

In 2023, NVCOG received a $15 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Funding Opportunity under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund a project to acquire and remove Kinneytown Dam. NVCOG is now working to acquire the Kinneytown Dam facility, through the Connecticut Brownfield Land Bank, Inc. (CTBLB), conduct necessary decommissioning, engineering, and design, and ultimately remove the dam. 

As part of the due diligence related to the acquisition of the facility by the CTBLB, it was discovered during field investigation that Coe Pond Dam was in poor condition.  If Coe Pond Dam were to fail, it would threaten the safety of the adjacent Metro North Waterbury Branch commuter rail line.  NVCOG notified relevant agencies of the concern in 2023 and commissioned an independent safety inspection to assess the condition and safety risk of Coe Pond Dam.

Findings

An inspection of Coe Pond Dam was conducted by Gomez and Sullivan Engineers and an inspection report was provided to NVCOG on March 6, 2024.  The report details numerous deficiencies in the condition of Coe Pond Dam and explains that any one of them could lead to a breach of the dam at any time.  A breach would inundate and damage the adjacent commuter rail line with the potential for loss of human life and property. The report recommends the water level in Coe Pond be lowered as soon as possible to reduce the risk of dam failure. 

The report states in no uncertain terms that Coe Pond Dam is an imminent public safety threat and calls into doubt its structural integrity. Detailed inspection revealed deficiencies including significant vegetative growth on the dam, beaver activity, erosion and undermining, and evidence of overtopping. Lack of instrumentation to monitor water levels means there is no ability to provide warning ahead of a breach event or notify the railroad and utilities. The report argues that although the dam is currently classified as having significant hazard potential, it should be reassigned as high hazard.

Next Steps

The NVCOG has notified the owner of the dam facility, Kinneytown Hydro Inc., of the need to immediately mitigate this threat to public safety. Because the CTBLB has not yet acquired the property, NVCOG does not have the ability to act on the report’s recommendation of lowering the water level. NVCOG has also notified the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) which has emergency authority to safeguard the public by taking immediate action, as it did with the Fitchville Pond Dam in January.

Furthermore, the findings in this report have delayed the Kinneytown Dam Removal Project, as the entity slated to acquire the property – the Connecticut Brownfield Land Bank, Inc. (CTBLB) – is unable to do so unless this public safety threat is first addressed. Removing this threat is critical to the CTBLB’s continuing intent to acquire the Kinneytown Project for the purpose of removing the dam and restoring the Naugatuck River. 

The CTBLB and NVCOG intend to work with the dam owner, DEEP, DOT, FERC and its other agency partners to mitigate this immediate threat to public safety.

The dam safety inspection report is available on the NVCOG website: https://nvcogct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Coe-Pond-Report.pdf

Additional Information

Coe Pond Dam is a nearly 3,000-foot earthen dam impounding Coe Pond, part of a canal and reservoir system that once delivered water from above Kinneytown Dam to a powerhouse at the southern end of Coe Pond in Ansonia.  The dam was constructed around 1845.

Kinneytown Dam Removal Project Partners include NVCOG, CTBLB, Save the Sound, the Naugatuck River Revival Group, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP).

Links to additional resources:

NVCOG Interactive Story Map
NVCOG Flickr account for photos/video

PRESS RELEASE: CTDOT Launches New Active Transportation Microgrant Program

Click here to access the press release from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Published on 03/01/2024

CTDOT Launches New Active Transportation Microgrant Program

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the creation of a new state-funded Active Transportation Microgrant Program. CTDOT has allocated $500,000 in microgrants to be distributed across Connecticut through this new program.

The Active Transportation Microgrant Program is a non-infrastructure initiative to provide eligible organizations with up to $5,000 in funding for resources that advance safe, accessible, sustainable, and equitable walking, biking and rolling in Connecticut, including to and from schools. This program works in conjunction with the CTDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program and will be administered by regional Councils of Governments (COGs).

Schools, school districts, municipalities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Eligible items include:

  • Bicycle helmets
  • Bicycle locks
  • Bicycle fleets, including adaptive bikes
  • Safety vests
  • Bicycle maintenance training and materials
  • League Cycling Instructors training
  • Programs, events, and materials for bicycle and pedestrian safety education

“This new grant program provides funding that will improve safety and mobility for some of our most vulnerable roadway users. Whether someone is walking, riding, or rolling, having additional materials, equipment, and training will help them stay safe,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Thank you to the CTDOT team for putting this program together, and to the Councils of Governments who have partnered with us to administer this new program.”

Organizations are limited to receiving two grants in a 12-month period. Applications will be accepted, and funding distributed by the COGs, on a quarterly basis until all funds in the program are utilized. The first grants are expected to be awarded this spring.

Organizations that receive grants must utilize the funds for eligible items within one calendar year. The funding limits for this solicitation are up to $5,000 for each grant awarded. Organizations must apply through their COG representative.

For more information on the Active Transportation Microgrant Program, including application guidelines and materials, visit ct.gov/SafeRoutes.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
860-594-3062
CTDOTMedia@ct.gov

Twitter: @CTDOTOfficial
Facebook: Connecticut Department of Transportation

PRESS RELEASE: SCRCOG Announces Final Priority Climate Action Plan

Click here to access the press release from the South Central Regional Council of Governments.

The final Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) has been released for New Haven County as part of the national Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program (CPRG). The planning document is accessible at https://www.cprgct.org/ and on https://scrcog.org/regional-climate-action-plans-for-new-haven-county/ 

The goal of the CPRG program is to help states, regions, and tribes plan for and implement actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is funded through the Inflation Reduction Act and administered by the U.S. EPA.

Earlier this year, the South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG), with support from the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG), received one million dollars in a noncompetitive planning grant through the CPRG. Their planning area encompasses the entirely of New Haven County, which covers 27 municipalities from New Haven in the south to Waterbury in the north.

In order to execute the first deliverable of the PCAP, SCRCOG hired UMass Amherst’s Regional Planning Studio and NARSLAB. Throughout the summer and fall, SCRCOG, NVCOG, and UMass developed the PCAP with considerable input from the community. Engagement efforts included tabling at farmers markets and a housing expo, holding hybrid meetings with interactive polling, and maintaining a dynamic website with information and resources. To see a full list of the public engagement activities conducted during the PCAP development process, please visit https://www.cprgct.org/community-engagement. 

The PCAP strives to cover the foundational elements of a climate plan while incorporating perspectives from the community and centering environmental justice.  The plan includes:

  • An inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in New Haven County by sector (transportation, buildings, electricity, industry, and waste).
  • An examination of the low-income and disadvantaged communities within the region, including benefits to these areas as a result of climate action.
  • A list of potential mitigation strategies, ranked for both emissions reduction potential and co-benefits such as workforce development and air pollution reduction.
  • A communications and outreach toolkit to be implemented during the next grant deliverable: the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP).

SCRCOG and NVCOG will soon begin the development process for the next deliverable in this grant program — the CCAP. Please subscribe to our email list on CPRGCT.org or to the SCRCOG newsletter to stay up to date on the CCAP development process.

For more information:

Stephanie Camp, Regional Planner

smcamp@scrcog.org