City snags $225K grant for new generator

Press release just issues by Mayor Ken Cockayne:

Mayor Ken Cockayne today announced that the City of Bristol has been awarded a $255,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to replace the aging and inadequate emergency generator at the Bristol Police and Court Complex.

The current emergency generator is more than 30 years old and does not power the second floor of the building, which contains the preferred location for the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The new, more efficient generator will power the entire building, including the EOC. Equipment to provide uninterrupted power – power that is available following utility failure and prior to start of the generator – will be included to ensure critical equipment is unaffected during an outage. As part of the grant requirements, the City will contribute $85,000 to complete the project.

“During natural disasters and other events that may affect power, it is critical that the Police and Court Complex, including the EOC, remain operational,” Cockayne said. “This FEMA funding will help ensure that the City’s emergency response personnel can manage emergencies safely and effectively from a central location.”  

Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

'A day that I will remember the rest of my life'

Just got this note from Bruce Lydem, a union official and former City Council candidate who's in Washington this week:

As you know, yesterday was a big day of celebration here in D.C.  A day that I will remember the rest of my life.  To be a part of the more than one million people who watched our new president take the oath of office was overwhelming.

 

Today, however, there was a different mood as I visited  members of Congress and their staffs to discuss President Obama’s infrastructure Renewal plan.  Our delegation  and their staffs are already working with the new administration to jumpstart  America’s economy.  The proposed legislation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill, is designed to create and save 3 to 4 million jobs.

 

Hopefully this proposed bill, which cuts taxes and increases spending on targeted investments, will put Bristol and America back to work.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

City has long list of potential projects for Obama's public works push

Reporter Jackie Majerus wrote these stories:

Anticipating a federal stimulus package that could help fund major infrastructure projects in the city, Mayor Art Ward said he is supplying a list of "shovel ready" work to Congressman John Larson.

Ward said he worked with directors of various city departments, including parks, public works, fire, water pollution control and the water department to develop a roster of potential projects.

He asked each of them for suggestions of infrastructure needs, Ward said.

The mayor said he's sorted it out into the "shovel ready" projects that President-elect Barack Obama has called for as well as longer range ideas.

Ward said he thinks Obama's economic stimulus plan for funding shorter term projects to be finished within 12 to 18 months will serve citizens better than another $300 to $500 rebate check.

"It would be more beneficial," said Ward. "You're not only stimulating the economic with provisions for jobs and money, you're also addressing the needs of the country at the same time."

The city's efforts are proactive, said Ward, in anticipation of a call for projects.

He sent the wish list to Larson with a letter supporting the "Main Street Stimulus" package proposed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The initiative calls for, among other things, expanding the federal community development block grant program, which is allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

If the city is able to tap into a federal stimulus program under the Obama administration, said Ward, Bristol might see some of its wish list completed sooner "than even in the best of times."

The jobs involved, said Ward, would certainly include construction work and related services and flow from there.

The effect of the recession on Bristol's economy will be more clear after the first of the year, said Ward, when the city begins to see an impact on building permits, conveyance taxes and other indicators.

A drop in casino revenue will mean a corresponding drop in Bristol's share of the state casino money, said Ward. He said the city has been receiving a little less than $1 million a year from gambling, but expects not to get that much in the coming year.

What's on the list

The city's wish list of infrastructure projects – or other ways that a federal government stimulus package could help Bristol – include ideas ranging from basics like food to possible changes at the incinerator.

In a letter to Congressman John Larson, Mayor Art Ward outlined how federal cash could help the Mum City.

First on the list was a boost in community development block grant funds, which are spread among local non-profits as both direct assistance to low and moderate income people as well as used for facility improvements such as a new roof or windows. The grants, which are distributed through the Bristol Development Authority, have also been given to home and business owners for property rehabilitation as well as used by the city for demolishing blighted buildings.

Beyond the development block grants, Ward said he supported energy block grants that he said could be used to increase efficiency in older or historic buildings but also to explore whether methane production in the landfill "would be worthwhile."

If there is federal money for wastewater infrastructure, Ward wrote, the city's "overloaded wastewater treatment facility" could be improved and sewers added in the southwestern part of town where septic failures are threatening Cedar Lake.

Ward also suggested that federal dollars would be well spent to modernize the city's schools so that state money could be spent on teaching rather than facilities.

The mayor told Larson that federal programs aimed at public safety have "significantly reduced crime" and improved law enforcement.

In addition, Ward listed local government credit assistance, job training, small business loans, the extension of unemployment benefits and food assistance could help Bristol.

Specific projects in Bristol that could be considered for federal stimulus if it comes to pass include flood control measures, bridge and road improvements, restoration and upgrades at city parks and Muzzy Field and replacing old fire hydrants and city water lines made of iron and lead.

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Maple End drainage project gets state OK

A notoriously flood-prone section of Route 6 will be fixed, thanks to funding approved Friday by the State Bond Commission.
The $8.2 million project will stretch from Maple End to near the Bristol Commons shopping plaza, according to state Rep. Frank Nicastro.
"That whole Maple End area has to be corrected," said Nicastro, a Bristol Democrat. "We have massive, severe flooding problems there."
The bonding funds will pay to replace a massive culvert between Burlington Avenue and the Northside Square shopping center on North Main Street.
The new culvert would cross the tracks and generally follow Route 6 to the west before cutting under the state road in front Best Cleaners and connecting to another culvert at Northside Square.
"It's something that's definitely needed," said Rep. Ron Burns, a Bristol Republican. "It's a good move to fix it up."
Now that the addition of commuter rail is a possibility on the tracks that cross Route 6 at Maple End, said Burns, it makes even more sense to fix the drainage problem.
"That's another additional benefit we'll get out of the correction of that intersection," said Burns.
Nicastro said other flood repair projects, including one on Lexington and Concord streets, have been stalled, waiting for the Route 6 work.
"This is a major breakthrough for the city," said Nicastro. "This is going to help us immensely."
While in progress, the project will no doubt cause some traffic headaches, Nicastro said, but the result will be a safer road.
Nicastro said he didn't have a projected start date and did not know how long it will take to complete the work once it is started.
The state cash, said Nicastro, should cover the whole cost of the project.

Press release from state Reps. Ron Burns and Bill Hamzy:

The State Bond Commission has approved $8,171,540 in state funding for a drainage improvement project on Route 6, which should alleviate flooding that occasionally impedes traffic flow and creates unsafe driving conditions during and after heavy rain storms, state Representatives Ron Burns and William A. Hamzy said today.
The bond commission approved the funding at its regular monthly meeting Friday, March 28, 2008 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
“Anyone who has driven through a three to four inch pool of water on Route 6 during and after heavy rain storms understands the need fir this long-overdue project,” said Representative Burns, R-77th District, whose district includes sections of Route 6. “When the storm drains back up and water pools on the street, traffic slows to a crawl. If the flooding gets worse, engines can stall and block traffic. After the work is completed, news photos and television footage of flooded streets and vehicles throwing up rooster tails will be a thing of the past.”
“Flooding on Route 6 has been a problem for as long as I can remember,” said Representative Hamzy, R-78th District, whose law offices are located on Route 6 in Bristol. “As someone who takes Route 6 to work almost every day, I am very familiar with the drainage problems there. In addition to interfering with traffic flow, even an inch or two of water pooling in the street can cause vehicles to hydroplane and result in serious accidents. I have driven through sections of Route 6 that become almost impassable during exceptionally heavy rainstorms. This project should put an end to those kinds of traffic hazards and make the road safer for commuters, shoppers and commercial vehicles alike.”
The project involves the replacement of a culvert between Burlington Avenue and the Northside Square shopping center on North Main Street. The culvert will cross the railroad tracks near the Whole Donut Shop and follow Route 6 to the west before going under the state road in front of Best Cleaners and connecting to another culvert at Northside Square.

For more information on the project, click here

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Maple End flood control project on tap

An $8.2 million drainage improvement project along Route 6 is likely to gain approval from the State Bond Commission this month.
At least most of the money is earmarked to replace a massive culvert between Burlington Avenue and the Northside Square shopping center on North Main Street.
“That’s been on the table a long time,” said Mayor Art Ward. “That will be great to get that cleaned up.”
Gov. Jodi Rell announced Wednesday that $8.2 million in funding for the Route 6 drainage improvements will be on the March 28 bond commission agenda. Almost everything that reaches the bond panel is approved.
“This investment will make Route 6 a safer road,” Rell said in a prepared statement. “Fixing the drainage problems on Route 6 in Bristol will not only help in preventing accidents on that stretch but will also benefit businesses in the area.”
According to plans that have been on file with the city’s public works department since 2006, the state plans to intercept water along the railroad tracks beside the Whole Donut shop and funnel it into a new culvert, which would also capture other water in the area.
The new culvert would cross the tracks and generally follow Route 6 to the west before cutting under the state road in front Best Cleaners and connecting to another culvert at Northside Square.
Many related improvements are also shown on the plans.
“It’ll be a big improvement,” said City Engineer Paul Strawderman.
Though officials warn the area will be a mess during construction, they say that once it’s done, businesses, residents and motorists will benefit from a safer, dryer road.
Ward said that flood control projects in nearby neighborhoods have been on hold for years until the state could fix the Maple End flooding woes.
Once the state work is done, he said, the city can begin to address other concerns in the vicinity.


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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Public works tackling three major projects this summer

MAIN STREET CULVERT REPLACEMENT

The City of Bristol is scheduled to replace the drainage culvert located on Main Street between School Street and South Street. Construction is planned for the summer of 2008 and will result in a temporary road closure and detours.

A public informational meeting has been scheduled at the time and date indicated below to discuss the project and address concerns.

Public Information Meeting
Project: Main St. Culvert
Date: March 4, 2008
Place: City of Bristol Library
5 High St., Bristol
Meeting Room 3 located in Library basement
Time: 7:00 PM

If you are unable to attend and have questions please feel free to contact the City of Bristol Engineering Department at 584-6113.

NORTH MAIN STREET RECONSTRUCTION
(ROUTE 6 to CURTISS STREET)

The City of Bristol is scheduled to reconstruct the section of North Main Street located between Route 6 and Curtiss Street. Construction will consist of replacement of roadway pavement, installation of new curbing & sidewalks and reconstruction of a portion of the existing drainage system including the culvert. Construction is planned for 2008 and will result in a temporary road closure and detours.

A public informational meeting has been scheduled at the time and date indicated below to discuss the project and address concerns.

Public Information Meeting
Project: North Main Street Reconstruction
Date: March 12, 2008
Place: City of Bristol Library
5 High Street, Bristol
Meeting Room 2 located in Library basement
Time: 7:00 PM

If you are unable to attend and have questions please feel free to contact the City of Bristol Engineering Department at 584-6113.


MATTHEWS STREET CULVERT REPLACEMENT

The City of Bristol is scheduled to replace the drainage culvert located on Matthews Street north of Perkins Street in the area of 257 – 246 Matthews Street. Construction is planned for the summer of 2008 and will result in a temporary road closure and detours.

A public informational meeting has been scheduled at the time and date indicated below to discuss the project and address concerns.

Public Information Meeting
Project: Matthews Street Culvert
Date: March 5, 2008
Place: City of Bristol Library
5 High Street, Bristol
Meeting Room 3 located in Library basement
Time: 7:00 PM

If you are unable to attend and have questions please feel free to contact the City of Bristol Engineering Department at 584-6113.

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Frederick Street Bridge is safe

BRISTOL – Though the century-old Frederick Street Bridge is one of only a dozen Connecticut spans rated in “critical” condition, it poses no danger to the 14,000 drivers who use it each week, officials said.
The bridge received emergency repairs this spring that caused it to be closed for a month.
That effort, Public Works Director Walter Veselka said Monday, means that “right now, the bridge is safe for use, but we will schedule a replacement of the bridge within the next few years.”
The collapse of a major interstate bridge in Minnesota last week has again highlighted the problems of an aging infrastructure across the country, particularly poorly rated bridges that need major overhauls or replacement.
The new scrutiny, however, hasn’t had any impact on the fate of the Frederick Street Bridge because the city has long planned to replace it.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Stortz: city infrastructure on the mend

Mayor William Stortz issued this press release today:

Bristol, CT, July 23, 2007 - In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz discussed Bristol’s increased effort in maintaining its infrastructure, especially its road system, in the past two years.

“Maintaining the City’s infrastructure is very important, and when a City falls behind, catching up is difficult and expensive. Quality infrastructure is seemingly transparent to the average citizen, until it starts to deteriorate: Then everyone notices and complains.

I am proud to point out that during the past two budgets, we have increased our budget request by double. The approved increase last year was 50% over the previous year, while this year the approved increase 21% over last year, but 83% over two years ago”, said Stortz.

He went on to say, “While this is an improvement, we still have roads that have not been repaved since the 1960’s and 70’s; and a large number that have not been repaved in over 20 years (since 1987). While age is not the only factor, it is indicative of a City commitment, or lack thereof, to a proper road management program.

It has taken the leadership of the Public Works Director, a Public Works Board that is supportive, and a Board of Finance that is cognizant of the importance of adequate funding to start a positive effort in this infrastructure maintenance.”

Stortz continued, “One salient point is that the increase during this administration is equal to almost half a mil.

If we funded roads at the 2003-2004 or 2004-2005 level, we would have been able to come in at a .1 mil increase or possibly a 0 mil increase.

But, it is a case of pay now, or pay later, and this is the responsible approach, responsible for all taxpayers over a given period of time.”

Stortz concluded, “I hope that this philosophy is continued until we reach a point where Bristol is current in its road maintenance efforts.”


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com