The Jonah Center’s most far-reaching project — to connect the 2 longest multi-use trails in Connecticut — has so far been awarded 4 grants: a $103,000 route study grant by CT DOT to Meriden in 2021; a $315,000 route study grant to the RiverCOG by CT DOT in February 2022; a $500,000 grant by the state bond commission to Middletown in April 2022; and a $2 million grant by the bond commission in October 2023. We thank Senator Matt Lesser who has played a critical role in the promotion and funding of this project. Note that, while the Jonah Center is the public advocate for the project, no portion of these appropriated funds come to the Jonah Center to support our operations. For that, we thank our donors. Read more and view maps here.
The Bobcat: Connecticut’s Secretive Wild Cat:
Join Paul Colburn, Master Wildlife Conservationist (DEEP), for a fun and educational evening co-sponsored by the Mattabeseck Audubon Society and the Cromwell Belden Public Library. Learn more about the history, habitat, and behavior of the shy predator you may have seen in your own backyard, as well as current research efforts. Thursday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is optional but requested here.
Help Our State Address Climate Change
Due in large part to opposition from distributors of gasoline and heating oil, the Connecticut Legislature has failed to pass significant climate legislation in recent years. State Representative Christine Palm (Haddam, Chester, and Deep River) is Co-Chair of the Environment Committee. She will meet with Ecoin (the Environmental Collective Impact Network) on Zoom on Monday, October 30, 5-6 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to help us become more effective advocates for climate action in the face of organized resistance. To join Ecoin and/or to attend this virtual meeting, send the words “Ecoin Oct. 30” using our “contact tab.” (Regular Ecoin members will receive the ink automatically prior to the meeting.)
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
DOT Has (Bad) Plans For Route 9 Traffic Signal Removal:
Sometime within the next 3-6 months, CT DOT is expected to make a public presentation to the Middletown community on the state’s latest plan to remove the traffic signals on Route 9. The question here is: If the signals are removed, what do we want the resulting on-ramps and off-ramps to look like? The plans that DOT has proposed so far would create serious problems for northbound vehicles exiting in Middletown and seeking access to the Arrigoni Bridge. (Read article by John Hall here.)
