New Haven Delegation Announces State Funding for Five Local Projects - Connecticut Senate Democrats
New Haven Delegation Announces State Funding for Five Local Projects - Connecticut Senate Democrats September 8, 2026 # New Haven Delegation Announces State Funding for Five Local Projects HARTFORD — Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M.
senatedems.ct.gov · September 8, 2026
New Haven Delegation Announces State Funding for Five Local Projects - Connecticut Senate Democrats
September 8, 2026
# New Haven Delegation Announces State Funding for Five Local Projects
HARTFORD — Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), and State Representatives Roland Lemar, Juan Candelaria, Al Paolillo, Steve Winter, and Toni Walker today announced that five New Haven projects received a combined $1.65 million in state funding at the September 8, 2026 meeting of the State Bond Commission.
The funding, approved through grants-in-aid administered by the Office of Policy and Management, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Department of Housing, will support improvements to city parks and shoreline facilities, expanded senior and youth programming, and affordable housing development in neighborhoods across the city.
The funded New Haven projects are:
- The City of New Haven will receive $750,000 for improvements to the bathhouse and other facilities at Lighthouse Point Park. - Believe in Me Empowerment Corporation of New Haven will receive $300,000 for an affordable housing project. - The City of New Haven will receive $250,000 for Phase II of improvements to Quinnipiac River Park. - The City of New Haven will receive $250,000 for interior renovations supporting senior and youth programming at the Atwater Senior Center. - The City of New Haven will receive $100,000 for improvements to Wooster Park.
“Each of these projects strengthens the fabric of New Haven and reflects our continuing commitment to ensuring that every resident has a safe and stable place to call home. Public spaces and community institutions are what hold our neighborhoods together, and it is the responsibility of state government to invest in them. I am grateful to Governor Lamont and our entire New Haven delegation for their partnership in securing this funding,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney.
“Improving these spaces means safer and more welcoming places for New Haven families, and the investment in an affordable housing project speaks directly to one of the most urgent challenges our residents face. When we invest in our parks, in programming for our seniors and young people, and in housing, we are investing in the quality of life and the dignity of everyone who calls New Haven home. I thank Senator Looney, my colleagues in the delegation, and Governor Lamont for their work in delivering these resources for New Haven,” said State Senator Gary Winfield.
“Each of these projects helps our great city in a unique way, whether it’s improving our parks to enhance the experience for residents and visitors, providing engaging programming for our youth and seniors, or continuing to address the critical need for housing in our state. Thank you to my legislative colleagues for their efforts, and to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued support of New Haven,” said State Rep. Juan Candelaria.
“Investing in New Haven’s neighborhoods is about creating communities where families can thrive and every resident has the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and at home. From revitalizing parks and strengthening programs for seniors and young people to expanding affordable housing, these investments address critical needs while improving quality of life. Public spaces, community institutions, and stable housing are the foundation of strong neighborhoods, and state government has a responsibility to invest in the people and places that hold our communities together,” said Rep. Roland Lemar
“I’m extremely thankful this funding has been approved for these five projects in New Haven,” said Rep. Al Paolillo. “Especially for the timely approval of funding for the Lighthouse Point Park that suffered recent storm damage; in Fort Wooster Park as well. When the governor came out to assess the damage, it made a big difference having a full team effort led by Senator Looney and members of the New Haven delegation. All of these projects as a whole will help benefit the quality of life in New Haven for residents. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for seeing the importance of these projects and approving the funding for them.”
“These projects represent meaningful investments in New Haven and in the people who call our city home. Strong neighborhoods depend on safe housing, vibrant public spaces, and community institutions that bring residents together. State government has an important role to play in supporting and strengthening these shared resources. I join my colleagues in thanking Governor Lamont for working together to make this funding possible,” Rep. Toni Walker said.
“These investments will make a real difference in New Haven by strengthening the neighborhoods and communities where people live, work, and raise their families. Quality housing, welcoming public spaces, and strong community institutions are essential to creating neighborhoods where residents can thrive. My thanks go out to Governor Lamont for prioritizing these projects and my colleagues for their partnership in securing this funding for New Haven,” said Rep. Steve Winter.
“Our city parks and public spaces are vital community hubs where New Haven residents go every day to gather, play, exercise, relax and enjoy nature. Investments in our parks and public facilities enhance our residents’ quality of life and strengthen our neighborhoods. These funds supporting improvements and renovations at Lighthouse Point Park, Quinnipiac River Park, Wooster Square Park and Atwater Senior Center will go a long way towards ensuring these parks and locations better serve New Haven children, youth, adults, seniors and families,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “I want to thank Governor Lamont, Senator Looney, Speaker Ritter and the entire New Haven State Delegation for their advocacy and support of these critical projects.”
“These projects are each focused on making infrastructure improvements to facilities throughout New Haven that improve quality of life and strengthen neighborhoods,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “I am glad that we could partner with the City of New Haven and the legislative delegation to get these funds released.”
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