August 17, 2007

Senators Chris Dodd, (D-CT), and Joe Lieberman, (ID-CT), announced Thursday that Connecticut will receive more than $1.1 million in port security grants from the Infrastructure Protection Program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). New London will receive $767,438, Bridgeport will receive $285,336 and New Haven will receive $48,500. Connecticut will also receive $728, 231 in Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPF) as part of the FY2007 Supplemental Appropriations. Furthermore, Connecticut will participate in a $37-million transit security grant program for the New York City metropolitan area

Connecticut Fire Departments Receive $163,804 in Homeland Security Funds

August 17, 2007

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) today announced new federal grants to three Connecticut fire departments, totaling $163,804. The funds, distributed by the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, will enable Connecticut firefighters to enhance their emergency response capabilities. In fiscal year 2007, the AFG program will award approximately $490 million to fire and EMS departments across America.

June 25, 2007

Last Friday, Senator Dodd (D-CT) sent a second letter to Marion Blakey, the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), expressing strong concern about the Integrated Airspace Alternative (IAA) that may route flights over southwestern Connecticut.  Senator Dodd received no response to his first letter, which was sent April 24.  On the same day, at a public hearing regarding the IAA in Stamford, Connecticut, FAA officials failed to provide clear and adequate answers to questions posed by more than two hundred concerned citizens, who attended in hopes of learning how the IAA would affect them.

June 7, 2007


“I am deeply disappointed at the news that 615 people in Connecticut will be losing their jobs.  While some of the Stamford employees may have an opportunity to work at other locations across the country, their lives and their families’ lives will still be disrupted considerably.  I will do whatever I can—as I hope Proctor & Gamble will do as well—to help these employees who have lost their jobs in securing any assistance for which they are eligible, such as job retraining or Trade Adjustment Assistance.”

 

May 9, 2007

Senators Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., announced Wednesday that Connecticut will receive more than $1.3 million in port and transit security grants from the Infrastructure Protection Program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Bridgeport will receive $869,181, New London, $296,250, and New Haven, $45,703 in port security grant funding. New Britain will receive $129,892 and Rocky Hill $14,163 in grants for bus security. Connecticut will also participate in a $61-million transit security grant program for the New York City metropolitan area.


“Port and transportation security are critical to protecting Connecticut and the rest of our nation,” Dodd said. “These grants will help improve detection of dangerous materials and deal with potential threats. I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has provided Connecticut with a much-needed increase in funding for these crucial activities, and hope that we can continue to work with our neighbors to ensure the security of all of our citizens.”


“These grants are essential to strengthening the security of Connecticut’s ports and public transportation systems. The port security grants for Bridgeport, New London and New Haven will help keep dangerous materials out of the country. The bus security grants for New Britain and Rocky Hill will help with screening, explosives detection, and disaster-response exercises so that the citizens of Connecticut can travel peacefully and safely,” Lieberman said. “I also urge New York and the Metropolitan Transit Authority to work closely with Connecticut Department of Transportation officials to make sure that  the entire region's shared transit system, including those portions that run through Connecticut ,are adequately secured through the transit security grant that will go to the tri-state area.”


The funding for Bridgeport, New London and New Haven is part of the federal Port Security Grant (PSG) Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  This year’s port security grants for Connecticut total $1,211,134 – a nearly 83 percent increase over last year’s funding level. The grants are intended to help protect critical infrastructure from terrorism, especially explosives and non-conventional threats that would seriously disrupt commerce and cause a significant loss of life.


The grants for New Britain and Rocky Hill are part of the Intracity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP) also administered by FEMA. The grants are used for explosives detection, passenger screening, bus facility security improvements, and better communications among vehicles.

 

May 3, 2007

Connecticut’s Congressional delegation sent the following letter to Stratford Mayor James R. Miron, in response to the Stratford Town Council Resolution passed on March 12, 2007, regarding the Stratford Army Engine Plant (SAEP).  In the letter the delegation declines the request because of the budgetary constraints in Washington, as well as the need to ensure an open and transparent process.

April 24, 2007

Today Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) sent a letter to Marion Blakey, the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), expressing his concern about the Integrated Airspace Alternative (IAA) that may route flights over southwestern Connecticut. Many residents of Stamford, New Canaan, and Greenwich have sought information from the FAA about the number and altitude of flights that will be routed over Connecticut, and the potential noise pollution that could result. Additionally, constituents are concerned that the IAA plan could affect the current flight patterns of smaller aircraft utilizing regional airports. As the FAA has failed to adequately address these concerns, Senator Dodd is asking that they provide more information about the probable effects of the IAA proposal.