Week of June 15–bridge project, block grants, a solar partnership

Work on the Louisiana Ave. bridge project began this week. (Staff photo)

Posted By: David Fortier June 13, 2020

Louisiana bridge project

Work began on the Louisiana Ave. bridge project last week, causing some confusion and rerouting that fooled even GPS systems, that sent drivers searching for a non-existent cut through to Concetta Ln.

Work is expected to continue through November 2020 with the possibility of an extension through May 2021.

City announces CDBG awards and special COVID-19 allocation

The largest portion of this year’s Community Development Block Grant awards for capital projects went to new sidewalks in Bristol’s opportunity zone, $50,000; ADA accessibility for Disabled American Veterans, $25,000; and Komanetsky Estates, a congregate housing project, $20,000.

Two of the largest awards under public service went to The St. Vincent de Paul Mission Shelter, $25,000, and the Bristol Boys and Girls Club Cambridge Park location, $23,000.

The city announced the awards totaling $$669,779, in a press release earlier in the week. The federal Housing and Urban Development agency allocates the awards based on information provided by the city.

The process is overseen each year by the Economic & Community Development (ECD) Department, which holds meetings and public hearings, and presents their recommendation for approval to the city council and submission to HUD.

In addition, a separate grant of $393,989 in Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds will address the city’s ability to react to public health emergencies, specifically, to the expansion of St. Vincent De Paul Mission.

Organizations receiving blocks grants include the following:

Provided by the City of Bristol.

Solar, energy program kicks off local campaign

A public-private partnership kicked off its campaign to promote the benefits of solar energy for individual homeowners, non-profits and city departments earlier this week, according to a press release from the city.

Connecticut’s Solar for All Program offers solar power and energy efficiency measures to homeowners, financed through a partnership between PosiGen and the Connecticut Green Bank. The campaign runs through Sept. 30.

For more information, high resolution photos, and to schedule interviews contact David Oakes, City of Bristol, Facilities & Energy Manager DavidOakes@bristolct.gov (860) 584-6107 or Susan Young, PosiGen, Community Marketing Manager, syoung@posigen.com (203) 308-0876.