Federal Omnibus Appropriations Bill To Benefit Vets Housing In Vernon

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) Wednesday announced the inclusion of more than $236 million in the fiscal year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Senate and a Vernon veterans program is one beneficiary.

The bill, once passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and signed into law by President Biden, will fund 99 congressionally directed spending projects requested by Murphy and Blumenthal.

"This was the year of getting things done for Connecticut, and I’m so proud that we are bringing home $236 million more for community-based projects in our state. This funding will help reduce gun violence in our communities, support small businesses and workforce development, improve water infrastructure, increase access to mental health services, and ensure the resiliency of our coastline communities. These investments are the result of thousands of conversations I’ve had with people across Connecticut, and they’re going to have a real positive impact on our communities," Murphy said.

"These targeted specific grants are a fantastic new year win for our state. Connecticut can now count on hundreds of millions of dollars for our most urgent needs—from reducing gun violence to increasing affordable housing to providing critical mental health services. This infusion of funds will be transformative for our state’s economic growth and quality of life. Think of them as smart, strategic investments, producing major dividends in health, education, roads, bridges and more. These projects will undoubtedly strengthen our communities and I am proud to have worked alongside Senator Murphy to deliver these invaluable investments to Connecticut," Blumenthal said.

In the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, there is more than $102 million for Connecticut projects, including $642,000 for the Chrysalis Center to be used for renovations at a veterans housing facility in Vernon. The center subsidizes veterans housing at 1 Ellington Ave. in the Rockville section of town.