WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) applauded the announcement today of a $30 million federal grant to revitalize Washington Village in South Norwalk.

"This historic investment will transform South Norwalk and create new opportunities for its residents who suffered so much in the aftermath of Sandy,” Congressman Himes said. “Revitalizing Washington Village will make South Norwalk a safer and more economically vibrant part of the city, and this grant provides the ability to do just that. This is the largest and most meaningful federal investment in the history of Norwalk, and I am extremely proud to have helped make it happen.”

“This $30 million is a great beginning, but it will take a village to rebuild Washington Village. These dollars- a monumental and powerful investment- will rebuild and rejuvenate the bricks and mortar ?of this community, but that is only the first step. I applaud the residents of Washington Village, the City of Norwalk, and state and federal officials for their longterm commitment and common purpose not only to the physical structures of this community, but to the education, public safety and economic development? needed to fully revitalizing this historic community,” Senator Blumenthal said.

“The families that call Washington Village home want to see their community thrive. They deserve an upgrade, especially after the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. This historic grant will transform lives and open up new economic possibilities for the neighborhood. I was proud to fight hard for this funding and I’m thrilled to see how this award will be used to benefit the region,” Senator Murphy said.

This grant was awarded through HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, a competitive program designed to transform impoverished areas by focusing on three core goals – housing, people, and neighborhood. The program calls for all local stakeholders to come together to create a comprehensive plan to improve public-supported housing and revitalize the surrounding community.

This year, the Washington Village/South Norwalk Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Plan was chosen as one of only four community plans in the country to receive the maximum implementation grant of $30 million. This critical funding will support the construction of new mixed-income housing, improve schools and educational opportunities for children and young adults, and create a safe, viable neighborhood that will attract residents and spur economic investment and growth.