Transportation & Infrastructure

“I am very pleased that EPA has finalized its rule establishing a new Eastern Long Island Sound dredging disposal site,” said Courtney “This eagerly awaited step is the result of years of intensive scientific study, robust public engagement and advocacy by a wide range of interests in the region, and I firmly believe that the final product reflects the balanced approach that we all know is needed. The need for this site could not be any clearer, with activities ranging from small marinas to commercial maritime transportation and military facilities like Submarine Base New London all relying on access to a long term placement site for dredged materials. The final plan also moved the site to avoid obstructing the route used by Naval submarines while traveling to and from the Port of New London. The new site is also now located entirely within Connecticut waters demonstrating that the hearing and comment period which included hundreds of letters and testimony from the public on both sides of the Sound was incorporated. Completion of this process is absolutely vital to eastern Connecticut’s economy, and I thank the EPA for its diligent work for getting this site done.”

“As I have said before, I am committed to investigating every source of federal assistance that can be used to assist homeowners in northeastern Connecticut with crumbling foundations. Now I am working with partners on the ground in Connecticut to make sure that we can smooth the glide-path for these resources into our local towns,” said Courtney. “This is a complicated issue and no single source of funding is going to solve this entire problem. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to this crisis and after meeting with the Capital Regions Council of Governments earlier this week - it was clear that they get it. I look forward to continuing to work closely with CRCOG as they pursue ways to address the crumbling foundations issue and seek resources, such as federal funding like the type I identified at HUD to help homeowner sand community facing this difficult challenge.”

“This was a great opportunity to speak directly with local selectmen, fire chiefs, nonprofits, and other community leaders from across the district about the benefits of working with the USDA-Rural Development program,” said Courtney. “All too often, rural communities do not have access to the credit necessary to begin long-term projects like bridges, schools, or municipal complexes, and these loans and grants provided through the USDA ensure eastern Connecticut towns do not get left behind. During the reauthorization of the Farm Bill in 2014, I worked hard to maintain rural development eligibility in Connecticut by ensuring the definition of rural included small communities in Eastern Connecticut. I want to thank all of our local leaders who came out to learn more about the grant program, and I look forward to working with them to obtain additional grant funding for our district this year.”