WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jim Himes announced funding for important local projects in the Omnibus Appropriations bill that passed the United States House of Representatives today. Highlights of the package include over $6,500,000 for public transportation in Bridgeport and Stamford; and $500,000 for an after school program in Bridgeport; $143,000 to the Fairfield University School of Nursing; and millions in infrastructure spending for local waterways. A complete list of projects in the 4th District follows this release.
“My predecessor, Congressman Shays, initiated and supported a number of requests for worthy projects in the district, and I’m proud to have picked up the ball and fought for their preservation,” said Congressman Himes. “These projects are important to our communities and quality of life.”
The Congressman was particularly supportive of a provision in the bill that blocks a Congressional pay raise. Mr. Himes will be donating the raise he is receiving in 2009 to local charities.
“When we’re asking families and businesses to tighten their belts and sacrifice to help pull the county through this crisis, we in Congress must be willing to do the same,” said Congressman Himes. “We’re serious about putting our economy on the path toward economic recovery.”
The bill now goes to the Senate for approval.
Grants in the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, HR1105
$500,000 for Law Enforcement Technology and Interoperable Communications.
$300,000 for the Fresh Start Community Re-entry Pilot Program.
$500,000 for the Lighthouse After school Program.
$950,000 for the Substance Abuse Prevention for Parents and Children: Building Capacity and Maintaining Momentum.
$23,000 for Greenwich Harbor.
$1,000,000 for the Long Island Sound DDMP.
$1,469,000 for the Norwalk Harbor.
$1,903,000 for the Stamford Waste Energy Project.
$191,000 for Bridgeport Environmental Infrastructure.
Mill River Restoration is eligible for funding from the Army Corp of Engineers.
$143,000 for Norwalk public schools for technology upgrades to include the purchase of equipment.
$143,000 for Save the Children of Westport for curriculum development for early childhood education, obesity, and literacy programs including the purchasing of equipment.
$95,000 for the Stamford symphony Orchestra for a music education program including the purchase of equipment.
$285,000 for Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport for Middle College program.
$190,000 for Action of Bridgeport community Development for the Total Learning Program.
$143,000 for the Bridgeport Hospital for facilities and equipment.
$143,000 for the Fairfield University School of Nursing for equipment and technology upgrades.
$285,000 for the Norwalk Hospital for facilities and equipment.
$143,000 for the Stamford Hospital for facilities and equipment.
$500,000 for the City of Stamford, Harbor Point Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvement Initiative.
$2,850,000 for the Bridgeport Intermodal Center.
$3,650,000 for all phases of the Stamford Urban Transitway.
$1,900,000 for the Pleasure Beach Water Taxi Service Project.
$95,000 for Canal Street/Wooster Street Widening and Infrastructure Improvements.
$95,000 for Offside Roadway Traffic, Safety and Parking Improvements.
$95,000 for The Bruce Museum Inc., for expansion of exhibition and classroom space and improvement of support areas.
$7,200,000 for Bradley IAP, TFI Upgrade Engine Shop.
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Congressman Jim Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th District, which includes the communities of Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Oxford, Redding, Ridgefield, Shelton, Stamford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.