Governor Rell: State Surpasses $1 Billion

In Stimulus Funds Committed to Projects, Initiatives

Governor Updates Congressional Delegation on ARRA Activity,

Appoints Ombudsman to Help Expedite Municipal Projects

            Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that in the five months since President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law, the state has surpassed the $1 billion mark for funds now committed to a number of projects and initiatives. Overall, the state has applied for more than $3 billion in both formula-based and competitive grants.

            “The federal stimulus act is providing the State of Connecticut and its cities and towns with much-needed resources to help us all weather this economic downturn and get Connecticut residents back to work,” Governor Rell said. “My administration has been committed and engaged from the start in pursuing every federal funding source available.”

            Under Governor Rell’s leadership, Connecticut was one of the first states to apply for and receive approval of its state Energy Plan, an accomplishment that resulted in the commitment of nearly $39 million in stimulus funds. The money will be used to finance a broad-based plan that will help residents and businesses reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and advance conservation and efficiency efforts. Other initiatives include developing geothermal and solar thermal technologies and making state buildings more efficient.

            The Governor said more than $400 million in stimulus funds have been committed for state transportation initiatives. The focused approach of the Connecticut’s Recovery Working Group, which the Governor assembled this past spring, has allowed the state to move forward with the majority of those projects. Many are already out to bid and a number of them are underway, including projects in Trumbull, Old Saybrook, Ashford, Enfield, Rocky Hill, Branford and Seymour. Most recently, the state applied Friday for funds to proceed with establishing high speed commuter rail service between New Haven and Springfield, Mass.

            Other ARRA funds committed in Connecticut include:

·        $1.2 billion for Medicaid assistance

·        More than $540 million for Education Stabilization

·        More than $180 million unemployment and jobs services, including $11 million for summer youth employment

·        $163 million for statewide bus and rail projects and pedestrian and bicycle access.

            “My administration has also been extremely active in helping non-profit organizations, commercial operations and municipalities secure stimulus funds for their needs,” Governor Rell said.

            Since February, the Governor’s staff and other Administration officials have held workshops, informational forums and have briefed hundreds of interested organizations and municipal representatives. The Governor is also appointing a special ombudsman to work closely with municipalities and regional planning agencies to help them proceed expeditiously with their projects and navigate the ARRA requirements.

            “Connecticut state agencies and representatives from my office have canvassed the state in an effort to make everyone aware of the many funding opportunities available,” the Governor said. “Just as important is the transparency and accountability for these taxpayer dollars.”

                The Governor launched the state’s official Web site within weeks of the bill’s passage that allows citizens to track the flow of stimulus dollars into the state and their hometowns. The site - www.ct.gov/recovery - contains every application the state has filed for federal money, the comprehensive plans for the use of that money, approvals from federal agencies, logs of phone calls from lobbyists and more.

            The Governor recently wrote to the entire Connecticut Congressional delegation updating them on the state’s progress with the ARRA.

            “There have certainly been some challenges, some frustration and a great deal of learning over this time,” Governor Rell said. “We are sure to encounter more challenges in the months ahead as we all work to balance expectation with reality. I am confident, however, with our partners in Washington and here in our cities and towns, we will more than meet those challenges along the road to recovery.”