Legislation eases assistance for flood control projects
MERIDEN — New legislation passed in the U.S. House would make it easier for states and municipalities to get assistance for flood control efforts such as the city’s Hub project, and other projects that restore the environment and protect against super storms. U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-5th District, who worked on the Water Resources Reform and Development Act praised passage of the final version Tuesday. It is expected to pass in the Senate and be signed by President Barack Obama. “I’m proud that a bill I’ve worked on since coming to Congress passed today with strong bipartisan support,” Esty said. “This is exactly what Congress needs to do — work together to pass commonsense bills that spur economic growth, rebuild our infrastructure, create jobs, and cut bureaucratic red tape.” CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Norwich City Council decides to hold off on apprenticeship ordinance
Norwich - After hearing complaints from several local contractors, the City Council on Monday tabled a controversial proposed ordinance that would have mandated all firms bidding on city projects valued at more than $5 million to have a "bona fide" apprenticeship program.
Mayor Deberey Hinchey had championed the proposed ordinance as a vehicle for promoting job training for local residents seeking to learn viable trades on a career path. During a public hearing Monday, several contractors said the ordinance was too restrictive and would steer major bid contracts to large, unionized corporations. Several representatives of local carpenters' and other unions supported it and said it would provide trade training to local residents. All apprentices also would have to be registered with the state, with documentation provided to the city, and the apprentices would have to be employees rather than independent contractors. The bid firm also would have to show that it has "graduated apprentices to journey person status for at least three of the past five years." CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Southington hearing draws crowd over $20M recycling plant
SOUTHINGTON — The initial zoning hearing Tuesday on a proposed $20 million high-tech food- and yard-waste recycling plant drew several dozen people, though only a few raised question, mostly about increase traffic. Backers of the plant, proposed for 37 acres off Spring Street, would turn waste into compost to enrich soils and gas to burn for energy, and provide a safe way to more efficiently reuse items. The plant also would have greenhouses that would use waste byproducts to grow vegetables. The crowd listened carefully, though most people left the 90-minute hearing without asking questions. Three people spoke in favor and three raised concerns about traffic on Spring Street. "It sounds like a valid proposal, but this is my concern," Cynthia Lombardo of Spring Street said. "I'm really worried about more traffic on Spring Street." CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Wethersfield gets $450K to redevelop vacant property
WETHERSFIELD — The state has awarded the town $450,000 to help redevelop a long-vacant Silas Deane Highway property and spruce up the facades of existing buildings. Planning and Economic Development Director Peter Gillespie said that the town hopes to use $200,000 of the money to demolish a large, disused industrial building at 1000 Silas Deane Highway. The former Weight Watchers food packaging plant has been closed for about 15 years, he said. A developer is interested in the property, and funding to help raze the structure will hopefully help close a deal, Gillespie said. He thanked Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, state Rep. Russ Morin, D-Wethersfield, for securing the funds. "We're very excited about this," Gillespie said. "We think that this will make all the difference seeing that property redeveloped." CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE