THURSDAY: GOV. MALLOY POWERS UP NEW MICROGRID IN MIDDLETOWN; ANNOUNCES NONPROFIT GRANT AWARDS; ATTENDS OTHER EVENTS IN MERIDEN AND PLAINVILLE

Hartford, Connecticut - On Thursday morning, Governor Dannel P. Malloy will join State Senator Danté Bartolomeo in Meriden for a tour of Protein Sciences Corp.  The visit will give the Governor an opportunity to meet with executives and staff of the company, which manufactures the only licensed flu vaccine that does not use eggs, antibiotics or live influenza virus in any part of the manufacturing process.

 

At noon, Governor Malloy will join state and local officials for a ceremony at Wesleyan University in Middletown, where they will power up the first microgrid project to come online under the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s recently launched Microgrid Pilot Program.  Microgrids provide electricity to critical facilities and town centers on a 24/7 basis and include a system of “trips” and “transfers” to isolate the microgrid and provide power within its network even when there is a large-scale outage, such as the ones the state saw during Tropical Storm Irene and the October Nor’easter.

 

Following that, Governor Malloy will hold a news conference in Hartford to make an announcement regarding nonprofit organizations in the state.

 

Later, Governor Malloy and Lt. Governor Wyman will participate in the grand opening ceremony of the Wheeler Northwest Village School’s new facility in Plainville.  The school serves more than 200 K-12 students with complex special education needs.  The new, state-of-the-art facility was supported with a $2 million state grant.

 

WHO: Governor Malloy, State Senator Bartolomeo
WHAT: Tour of Protein Sciences Corporation
WHEN: Thursday, March 6, 2014; 11:10 p.m.
WHERE: Protein Sciences Corporation; 1000 Research Parkway, Meriden

 

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WHO: Governor Malloy
WHAT: Governor Malloy attends ceremony to power up the state’s first microgrid project under the recently launched Microgrid Pilot Program
WHEN: Thursday, March 6, 2014; 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Wesleyan University, Freeman Athletic Center; 161 Cross Street, Middletown

 

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WHO: Governor Malloy
WHAT: Governor Malloy holds news conference to make announcement regarding nonprofit organizations in the state
WHEN: Thursday, March 6, 2014; 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Chrysalis Center, 255 Homestead Avenue; Hartford

 

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WHO: Governor Malloy, Lt. Governor Wyman
WHAT: Governor Malloy and Lt. Governor Wyman attend grand opening of the Wheeler Northwest Village School’s new facility
WHEN: Thursday, March 6, 2014; 3:45 p.m.
WHERE: Wheeler Clinic Northwest Village School; 91 Northwest Drive, Plainville

GOV. MALLOY: INVESTMENT HELPS FAST-GROWING BAKERY IN EAST HARTFORD INCREASE PRODUCTION AND DOUBLE WORKFORCE

Hartford, Connecticut - Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by state and local elected officials, Tuesday announced that the State Bond Commission on Friday approved funding for Bakery On Main of East Hartford to relocate to a larger facility in a move that will more than double its workforce. Bakery on Main has committed to creating or retaining 129 jobs for Connecticut residents over the next four years.

“When we invest in small businesses, we invest in stronger communities,” said Governor Malloy. “We are putting our state economic development tools to work to assist small businesses like Bakery on Main in their efforts to grow, create new jobs and take their operations to the next level.”

After outgrowing its current building, Bakery On Main will move to a new 111,000 square-foot facility at 127 Park Avenue to increase capacity, which will require 70 new employees for production to remain efficient.  The state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will provide a $3 million, 10-year loan at 2 percent interest to help Bakery On Main engage in leasehold improvements and purchase new state-of-the-art machinery and baking equipment.

“I would like to personally thank DECD, the Town of East Hartford and the state of Connecticut for its support,” said Michael Smulders, owner and president of Bakery on Main.   “With this expansion, our growth in East Hartford can continue to progress and create new jobs within the community.”

According to the terms of the loan, Bakery On Main must retain its existing 59 jobs and add 70 new jobs over the next four years. DECD will forgive $1.5 million of the loan principal if the company meets its job creation requirements. Bakery On Main will contribute $600,000 of its own funding and has secured another $5 million in bank financing.

“Bakery on Main has really become a specialist in gluten-free foods, which is a multi-billion dollar market in the United States,” said State Sen. Gary LeBeau. “I’m happy to see them staying and growing right here in East Hartford.”  

“This is the kind of important investment the state needs to make to help companies – big and small – thrive,” state Rep. Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) said. “It’s great to see Governor Malloy working hard to help businesses grow and create jobs. The state and local economies are improving and these kinds of investments will pay big dividends for everyone in the long run.”

“The town of East Hartford is thrilled to be a partner in the successful expansion of Bakery on Main,” said Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc.  “The company will be completing a substantial investment in our Enterprise Zone area, and hiring new employees.  The growth of our town’s industrial base is a great asset in our community that we will continue to build upon.”

“Bakery on Main has been a great corporate citizen since it has opened its doors, and with the state’s assistance, we are ensuring it will continue to be an asset in East Hartford and the surrounding towns,” said DECD commissioner Catherine Smith.  “With substantial capital and community investments, and good local jobs for area residents, Bakery on Main is making a tremendous impact in its community.”

The Bakery On Main plant is certified Kosher Parve by the Orthodox Union and is certified for organic production. The company is one of the leading suppliers of healthy, gluten free snacks and cereals with its products on shelves in major stores such as Whole Foods, Target, Stop and Shop, Shop Rite, and Highland Park Market. Bakery on Main maintains exceptional quality standards by employing good manufacturing practices including ingredient quality controls, full product traceability, in-house gluten testing, metal detection, standardized allergen and sanitation cleaning procedures.

GOV. MALLOY: SIX CONNECTICUT MUNICIPALITIES TO RECEIVE FUNDING FOR LOCAL AND REGIONAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECTS

$277 Million in Grants and Loans Approved for Projects in Hartford, Rocky Hill, Norwich, Middletown, New Haven, and Bristol
Hartford, Connecticut - Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that nearly $277 million to provide grants and loans for local and regional wastewater treatment projects in Hartford, Rocky Hill, Norwich, Middletown, New Haven, and Bristol was approved Friday by state Bond Commission.  It is estimated that the projects will create or retain approximately 5,700 jobs in the manufacturing, engineering and construction industries.

“As a result of the state’s strong financial support for municipal wastewater treatment projects, Connecticut’s rivers and streams and Long Island Sound are cleaner and more appealing than ever,” said Governor Malloy, who serves as chair of the commission.  “We want to build on our historic commitment to clean water with a strong new round of funding for these projects, which will improve our environment and enhance our communities while putting our citizens to work designing and constructing these critical facilities.”

A total of $94 million in General Obligation Bonds and about $183 million in Revenue Bonds were approved to finance wastewater treatment projects through Connecticut’s Clean Water Fund (CWF).  The General Obligation Bonds are used to provide grants for certain portions of these projects, while the Revenue Bonds are used to provide low-interest loans of two percent over 20 years for the remainder of the costs.

Projects to be funded with this new allocation include:

The continued rollout of modernization and upgrades by the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), which provides wastewater treatment services for Hartford and several surrounding towns.
The CWF funds will support work at MDC’s water pollution control facilities (WPCF) in Hartford and Rocky Hill and allow work to proceed on a conveyance and storage tunnel in South Hartford.  A major focus of the MDC project is addressing Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) after major storms that leads to the discharge of sewage into the Connecticut River.

Denitrification improvements at the Norwich treatment plant.

Pump station improvements to support the consolidation of Middletown’s treatment plant into the Mattabassett District.

Continued collection system improvements in the system operated by the Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority to eliminate CSOs in New Haven.

Phosphorous removal improvements at the Bristol treatment plant.

Funds for these projects will be released from the CWF once contracts for construction have been awarded and all statutory and administrative requirements have been met.

“Connecticut’s Clean Water Fund is a model of state and local cooperation that has achieved very real results in protecting our natural resources and improving the quality of life in our state,” said Rob Klee, Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which administers the program.  “Through this program we have made investments that benefit all of us now as well as future generations of residents.”

The CWF was established in 1986 to provide financial assistance to municipalities for planning, design and construction of wastewater collection and treatment projects. Since that time it has provided $2.7 billion in grants and loans for projects in 95 communities.

GOV. MALLOY: STATE FUNDING APPROVED FOR THE REMOVAL OF ENFIELD’S SPRINGBORN DAM

Hartford, Connecticut - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that $1 million to fund removal of the state-owned Springborn Dam on the Scantic River in Enfield was approved at Friday’s meeting of the state Bond Commission.

“The Springborn Dam is obsolete and long ago stopped serving any useful purpose.  For the sake of public safety, it needs to come down,” said Governor Malloy.  “Its removal will bring many benefits, including the restoration of environmental habitats that will be enjoyed by residents and fisherman alike.”

Removing the dam will eliminate a migratory barrier to diadromous fish (fish that can live in both fresh water and salt water) and Eastern Brook Trout and help restore the runs of American shad, River herring, Sea lamprey, and American eel.  In addition, the funding also demonstrates a commitment by the state to restore fish passage along the Scantic River that could lead to federal funds for future restoration projects there.  The sediment behind the dam is also contaminated with material from former manufacturing activities at the site so if the dam failed, contamination could be released downstream.

“The Springborn Dam is the first dam on this Connecticut River tributary and is blocking runs of migratory fish,” said Department of Energy and Environmental Commissioner Robert Klee.  “When fish can get past this dam, it opens up nearly three additional miles of spawning habitat and sets the stage for a future project that will open up even more miles.  Removing the dam is the most cost-effective solution to the environmental and natural resource issues at the site.”

GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES HISTORIC AGREEMENT TO SECURE LONG-TERM COMMITMENT FROM UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP. TO CONNECTICUT

Agreement Will Lead to the Construction of a New Pratt & Whitney Headquarters and Keep Jobs in the State for Years to Come
East Hartford, Connecticut - Governor Dannel P. Malloy and United Technologies Chairman & CEO Louis Chênevert today announced an agreement under which UTC will invest up to $500 million to upgrade and expand its aerospace research, development and manufacturing facilities over the next five years.  During the same time period, UTC expects to invest up to $4 billion in research and other capital expenditures in the state.  The agreement is expected to have an impact on more than 75,000 jobs in the state.

 

“Connecticut has long led the world when it comes to the aerospace industry.  With the agreement we are announcing today, we will ensure that we remain a leader for years to come,” said Governor Malloy.  “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, one that will make sure we are keeping and creating good-paying jobs with good benefits – not just in the UTC companies, but also in the hundreds of aerospace supply chain companies throughout the state and the region.  UTC’s decision to invest now in new facilities in our state is a strong signal of their belief in Connecticut’s talented workforce, commitment to innovation, and determination to build a world-class business climate.”

 

Specifically, the company will:

 

• Construct a new Pratt & Whitney corporate headquarters, which it will keep in Connecticut for a minimum of 15 years
• Construct a new Pratt & Whitney worldwide engineering center of excellence in Connecticut
• Keep Sikorsky corporate headquarters in Connecticut for a minimum of 5 years
• Create a customer training center at UTC Aerospace Systems (UTAS) in Windsor Locks
• Build new labs and infrastructure at United Technologies Research Center (UTRC)
• Invest in new research projects and capital investments at Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, UTAS and UTRC

 

Construction on the projects is expected to begin this year and continue through 2018.  This agreement ensures that Connecticut will remain the center of UTC’s aerospace research and development activities and the home of Pratt & Whitney’s and Sikorsky’s headquarters for years to come.

 

“United Technologies’ aerospace businesses, and in particular Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky, have long and proud histories of innovation in Connecticut,” Chênevert said.  “This agreement secures the future of aerospace in Connecticut.  It will open a bright new chapter for our aerospace businesses, for our thousands of local suppliers and for the people of Connecticut.  The investments announced today will enable UTC’s aerospace businesses to continue to perform cutting-edge research and development in Connecticut and will provide exciting new opportunities for top engineering and science graduates – including the best and brightest from our state’s colleges and universities.”

 

The agreement, which requires legislation, does not require any borrowing or payments by the State of Connecticut, and is expected to create nearly 1,500 construction and other related jobs throughout the initial capital expansion.

 

If enacted, the legislation will allow exchange of approximately $20 million per year of previously earned but unused tax credits to finance the construction, up to a maximum of $400 million.  The exchanged credits will be offset with tax reductions over a 14-year period, with the final amount based on the company’s level of jobs, wages and investments.

 

If UTC fails to meet any of its obligations under the agreement, the benefits to the company would be either significantly reduced or eliminated.  The agreement further incentivizes UTC by allowing for more exchanges as the company adds jobs in Connecticut and makes additional capital investments.

 

**Download: Investments in Connecticut by UTC – Powering the Future of Connecticut Aerospace

GOV. MALLOY WRITES PRESIDENT OBAMA REQUESTING CHANGES TO DRAFT REVISIONS TO TRIBAL RECOGNITION RULES

East Hartford, Connecticut - Governor Dannel P. Malloy on Monday delivered a letter to President Barack H. Obama expressing opposition to certain revisions to tribal recognition rules being considered by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).

 

In his letter, Governor Malloy highlighted the provisions that would uniquely and unfairly affect the State of Connecticut and proposed revisions that would fix the problem.  Governor Malloy, Attorney General George Jepsen, Connecticut’s Congressional delegation and other parties have all expressed disapproval of particular changes under consideration and all have communicated those objections in conversations with federal officials.

 

“For Connecticut, the consequences would be devastating. The petitioning groups have filed or threatened land claims to vast areas of fully developed land in Connecticut. Such claims can cloud the title to real property in the claimed area, causing significant economic hardship to Connecticut residents,” Governor Malloy wrote.

 

**Download: Governor Malloy’s letter to President Obama**Download: Governor Malloy’s explanation on the issue

GOV. MALLOY ACTIVATES STATE SEVERE COLD WEATHER PROTOCOL

Effective Through Saturday Morning, Urges Anyone Seeking Shelter to Call 2-1-1
East Hartford, Connecticut - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced he has activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol in anticipation of temperatures in the teens and single digits on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The Protocol is effective beginning today, February 26th, and will remain in effect until Saturday morning, March 1st, when Connecticut will be back to more seasonal weather temperatures.

“We must continue to protect the most vulnerable members of our state’s population during these severe cold weather outbreaks,” said Governor Malloy. “I urge anyone in need of shelter to call 2-1-1 and encourage local communities to consider opening warming centers or other facilities to help people in need.”

While activated, the Protocol directs the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), and the Department of Housing (DOH) to coordinate with 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to ensure that the state’s most vulnerable population are protected from the severe cold weather.

Under the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, DEMHS activates its WebEOC communications network – an internet-based system that allows local, regional and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.

DSS and DOH coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, as well as working with existing vendors to resolve transportation issues for people needing shelter during the period of severe cold.

DMHAS has teams who specialize in working with homeless people to locate those who are at risk, spread the word about the 2-1-1 system, and encourage everyone to take advantage of the safety of shelters. DMHAS also works with shelters to assess and meet the needs of individual clients.

CT GOV. MALLOY STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF NELSON MANDELA

Hartford, Connecticut - Governor Dannel P. Malloy released the following statement on Thursday evening regarding the death of Nelson Mandela:

“Nelson Mandela’s ‘long walk to freedom’ changed our world for the better.  The cause of his life became the world’s cause, and in 1987, the State of Connecticut joined him by banning state investments in companies that did business in South Africa in support of his mission of ending racial segregation policies. 

“His reverent passion for justice will continue to inspire generations of citizens to improve social, political, racial, and humanitarian conditions around the world.  While the news of his passing is cause for sorrow, we should be forever grateful for his incomparable contribution to the cause for equality.”

GOV. MALLOY NAMES GARVIN AMBROSE TO SERVE AS STATE VICTIM ADVOCATE

Hartford, Connecticut - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has named Garvin G. Ambrose of Chicago, Illinois and Vernon, Connecticut to serve as the state’s Victim Advocate.

Ambrose currently is Executive Assistant State’s Attorney and Legislative Liaison in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago, where he serves as an advocate on issues of civil, criminal, juvenile and family law, and assists in the development, research and drafting of legislative initiatives and policy.  In this position, he has been responsible for working with government agencies, nonprofits, and victim advocacy groups to promote passage of a number of new state laws that aid in the protection of victims, including in the areas of child abuse, domestic violence, financial crimes, gun crimes, and human trafficking.

He was the unanimous first choice by the Victim Advocate Advisory Committee, a panel statutorily required to consider and interview candidates for the position and provide recommendation to the Governor.

“Garvin comes to us with a notable background, working on behalf of victims and advocating for the policy changes that are necessary to preserve their rights and serve their needs,” Governor Malloy said.  “The Victim Advocate is responsible for public education and advocacy.  He will work directly with criminal justice professionals at every level to protect victims’ rights as guaranteed under the Connecticut Constitution

GOV. MALLOY: CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN TURNAROUND SCHOOLS WILL HELP OUR CHILDREN COMPETE

Hartford, Connecticut - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that his upcoming biennial budget proposal will include an expansion of the program created in the 2012 education reform package – the Commissioner’s Network – that aims to turnaround some of the lowest performing schools in the state in order to help thousands of students receive a quality education and close the achievement gap.  It was also announced that six schools will be invited to advance to the next phase of a planning process for inclusion in the Network in the 2013-14 school year.

The Commissioner’s Network is a vehicle for innovative and transformative initiatives that reach beyond surface reforms.  Governor Malloy’s upcoming biennial budget proposal will include an additional $14.1 million over the biennium to allow more low performing schools to participate in the program, bringing the total funding available for the Commissioner’s Network to $27.5 million, enough to at least double the current amount of districts participating.

“For too long, we failed to bring about meaningful reform in our state’s lowest performing schools.  The Commissioner’s Network is changing that by directing more resources to our students and making other meaningful changes to ensure that students have every available opportunity to succeed,” Governor Malloy said.  “Working together with our state’s dedicated teachers, we will close the achievement gap.”

“I am grateful to the Governor and Lt. Governor for their continued commitment to the education reforms passed last year.  We remain dedicated to closing Connecticut’s largest-in-the nation achievement gap through increased involvement and innovation in our state’s lowest performing schools,” Connecticut Commissioner of Education Stefan Pryor said.  “We’re pleased that the Governor’s budget will enable the expansion of the Commissioner’s Network, providing more schools with the flexibility and resources they need to undertake successful turnarounds.”

Six schools from five districts were invited today by Commissioner Pryor to convene turnaround committees and develop turnaround plans for participation in the Commissioner’s Network for the 2013-2014 school year.  The six schools that have been initially selected are Richard C. Briggs High School (Norwalk), Crosby