It’s a Waiting Game for Federal Funds

By Matt Riiska

With all the projects we currently have in process in Norfolk, I am asked if the federal budget cuts will affect our plans and what we can expect in the future. Federal funds received by the town are filtered through the State of Connecticut, so it is difficult to say.

Last week, we heard from the office of U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes that the funding for the new fire house approved by the Appropriations Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives is on hold. The funds, granted though the Congressionally Directed Spending for Rural Development Program, totaled $500,000. An additional $750,000 in funding through the same program, endorsed by Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy and approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee, is also on hold. We will reapply for these grants. Congress will vote again on the budget in September. We will see.

Other projects people have inquired about are Route 44 wall and the replacement bridges in South Norfolk. I meet every two to three weeks with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT-DOT) team regarding the Route 44 wall project. They have indicated that the wall project will not be delayed and that it is fully funded. Unfortunately, the $37.0 million project will be a disruption for travelers for two more years.

Other projects that are currently in the engineering and design phase are the Mountain Road Bridge at Westside Road, the Old Goshen Road Bridge, and the Smith Road Bridge. The design work is ongoing, but a clear indication that the federal funding will be available for construction is not. As for the Smith Road temporary bridge, we have received approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but we are waiting for approval from the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Funding for the temporary bridge will be the responsibility of the Town of Norfolk.

We will continue to fine tune the budget. By the time you read this, the Board of Assessment Appeals will have completed their work and the Grand List for October 1, 2024, will be finalized. The Board of Finance will review the 2025-26 fiscal year budget at their April Meeting and then be presenting the budget at the budget hearing at the end of April.

Spring is here and after a winter season that was more affected by ice than snow, we are all happy to put winter behind us and get outside to get our yardwork done. Have a good spring!