Over $6 Million in Stimulus Funds Coming to Connecticut

WASHINGTON—Senators Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., Wednesday announced that the East Hartford Fire Department and eight towns and private companies along the Long Island Sound have been awarded federal grants totaling more than $6.1 million. All of the funds were made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, through the Fire Station Construction and Port Security grant programs.

"Once again, economic recovery funds are bringing tremendous benefits to communities across Connecticut," said Dodd. "The brave men and women of the East Hartford Fire Department—who put their lives on the line each day—will finally have the facilities they have long-deserved. And the funding for port and transit security initiatives will enhance safety, create jobs, and stimulate local economies across Southern Connecticut."

Lieberman said, "Today's announcement is wonderful news for Connecticut residents, who will have safer ports and better-prepared first responders as a result. The Recovery Act is having a real effect on Connecticut's safety, allowing firefighters to rebuild a crumbling firehouse and strengthening security at ports along Connecticut's coastline. These funds are much-needed, well-deserved, and will boost the safety of all Connecticut residents."

The Fire Station Construction Grant Program awards grants for fire departments to build or change fire stations. East Hartford received funds to build a new firehouse and replace their current one, which had been found unsafe and uninhabitable. The Port Security Grant Program awards money to protect ports and surrounding communities from terrorism and enhance the security that is already in place.

A full list of the grant funding is below:

• Town of East Hartford Fire Department: $3,660,019
• City of New Haven: $1,099,629
• Connecticut Department of Public Safety/State Police: $420,000
• Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Co.: $285,990
• Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc.: $254,089
• City of Bridgeport: $183,294
• Westmore Fuel Company, Inc.: $101,500
• Town of Stratford: $100,430
• Fishers Island Ferry District: $76,500