$1M In State Funding Approved For Hamden Projects

HAMDEN, CT — The state Bond Commission on Thursday approved more than $1 million in funding for two community improvement projects in Hamden.

The commission will allocate $1,041,855 through the Community Investment Fund and other bond funding to Hamden for a planning grant to make improvements to the Newhall neighborhood and for technology and equipment upgrades for Hamden Middle School as a Commissioner's Network School, according to state Representative Mike D'Agostino (D-91).

$750,000 – Planning grant to make repairs and upgrades to the existing stormwater infrastructure to alleviate chronic flooding in the Newhall neighborhood

$291,855 – Alterations, repairs, improvements, technology and equipment to help address building and site deficiencies, and to promote the health, safety, and learning of the students at Hamden Middle School

"I am excited that we will now get to take the initial steps to make vital improvements to the Newhall neighborhood,” D’Agostino said. “Although only a portion of the funding we requested, we can now get to work on this multi-faceted effort to bring economic development to the neighborhood while also serving the dual goals of environmental justice and improving quality of life.

“I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for recognizing the importance of these two projects in my advocacy, and for initiating the process of community development.”

The planning grant for the Newhall neighborhood received funding through the CIF 2030 program. The grant will allow the town of Hamden to “proceed with future requests for CIF funding for improvements in the area that also include demolition of the former middle school and remediation of the land for future use, including a potential arts and cultural center,” according to a news release. “CIF 2030 allows $175 million per year for the next five years in bonding, with the option to renew the program for an additional five years. This funding will be directed to projects proposed by eligible municipalities, community development corporations, or nonprofit organizations, and is a transformational opportunity to invest in underserved communities in Connecticut.”

State Sen. Jorge Cabrera (D-17) also applauded the funding.

"This is important funding for some crucial projects and I'm grateful to the Bond Commission for approving them," Cabrera said. "Preventing flooding in the Newhall neighborhood and modernizing the drainage infrastructure will provide people with peace of mind and safety for years to come. Additionally, funding for Hamden Middle School furthers the investments we continue to make in our young people's education."

Gov. Ned Lamont also said the funding is imperative to modernizing the draining systems in the Newhall neighborhood.

“The Newhall area of Hamden has had years of flooding issues due to outdated drainage systems, and this state funding will help repair that infrastructure and strengthen it to withstand future severe weather,” Lamont said.