Capitol Update 5.6.2020
School Closures Continued for Remainder of the Academic Year
Yesterday, Governor Lamont announced an executive order that in-person classes at K-12 public schools will remain cancelled for the 2019-2020 academic year. Distance learning and school meals programs will continue. The administration is currently consulting with state and local education officials regarding whether summer school programming should commence as scheduled. Guidance is anticipated toward the end of this month.
Masks for Small Businesses
The Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) announced that they will help distribute face masks to businesses with 50 employees or less that are considered essential businesses per recent executive orders.
Online Job Training for Unemployment Claimants
On Monday, Governor Lamont announced the statewide launch of a program that will make free online learning licenses available to recipients of unemployment insurance, including those who have been impacted by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Share Your Views on Re-Opening
Governor Lamont launched the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group to help guide him on how to reopen our state. The panel’s membership is comprised of medical professionals, some industry leaders, and state-level officials. We want to make sure the ideas of Connecticut residents are contemplated in that process, and you can help us by submitting your thoughts below.
Bridge Replacement RT 66 over Pocotopaug Creek in East Hampton
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing the start of construction for the replacement of Bridge 02018 which carries Route 66 over Pocotopaug Creek in East Hampton.
The project consists of initial site preparation to facilitate demolition of the existing bridge, the installation of a new precast box culvert, including precast simulated “dry stack” stone walls and parapets, decorative sidewalk and driveways, and full-width roadway paving. The paving limits begin on Route 66 roughly in front of the Belltown Smoke Shop and extends east past the west driveway to Classic Auto.
The bulk of the bridge work will occur during a two-week road closure of Route 66 in mid-July. A signed detour route will guide motorists around the project site during the closure. Additional notification will be provided in advance of the closure.
Motorists may experience delays on Route 66 and nearby roads, including periods of alternating one-way traffic.