Tami Zawistowski

Rep. Zawistowski Requests AG Tong to Initiate Action to Prevent Massachusetts Cities from Polluting CT River

Following another massive 17.5-million-gallon Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) from Massachusetts’ cities into the Connecticut River last week, State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-61) immediately sent a letter to Connecticut Attorney General Tong requesting his office initiate legal action against the State of Massachusetts to eliminate these releases. “The Connecticut River doesn’t stop at the border, and while Massachusetts’ officials have been alerting their residents about similar overflow events and working to clean up small sections of the river, Connecticut residents are left to clean up the mess downstream,” Rep. Zawistowski said. “This is a disgusting, yet preventable, issue and must be properly addressed to protect the residents, wildlife, and ecosystems downstream that rely on the river.” Using information taken directly from the alert system linked to treatment facilities serving Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee, in her letter Rep. Zawistowski specifically referenced July 21, 2026, when approximately 17.5 million gallons of CSOs, including solid waste, including approximately 13.5 million gallons from the Bondi’s Island sewage facility – which serves Springfield and surrounding towns – were released into the Connecticut River from three major sewage treatment facilities in Massachusetts. Less than two weeks ago Rep. Zawistowski sent letters to United States Senators Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren requesting an enhanced level of attention and urgency to prevent persistent CSOs from occurring in Western Massachusetts. Noting that similar overflows affecting the Merrimack Valley and North Shore of Massachusetts were dealt with swiftly by their U.S. Senate colleagues, Rep. Zawistowski implored the veteran federal lawmakers to act swiftly to protect water quality and preserve recreation, fishing, and a riverfront small-business economy that depends on public confidence that our waterways are safe to use. According to the U.S. EPA, when the amount of water runoff exceeds the capacity of combined municipal wastewater treatment systems, untreated stormwater and wastewater is discharged into nearby waterbodies creating a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO). These CSOs are subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program. “These sickening, recurring overflows are now largely preventable with up-to-date combined sewer infrastructure, and while these facilities have long term mitigation plans, we can’t afford to wait decades for action,” Rep. Zawistowski said. “The public health risks are far too great.” -30- Rep. Zawistowski represents the 61 st district of East Granby, Suffield and Windsor Locks

Rep. Zawistowski Urgently Requests MA U.S. Senators Markey and Warren to Expedite CT River Cleanup

In response to yet another major sewer overflow discharge from a Massachusetts city into the Connecticut River, State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-61) this week sent a letter to United States Senators Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren requesting an enhanced level of attention and urgency to prevent persistent combined sewage overflows (CSOs) from occurring in Western Massachusetts. Noting that similar overflows affecting the Merrimack Valley and North Shore of Massachusetts were dealt with swiftly by their U.S. Senate colleagues, Rep. Zawistowski implored the veteran federal lawmakers to act swiftly to protect water quality and preserve recreation, fishing, and a riverfront small-business economy that depends on public confidence that our waterways are safe to use. According to the U.S. EPA, when the amount of water runoff exceeds the capacity of combined municipal wastewater treatment systems, untreated stormwater and wastewater is discharged into nearby waterbodies creating a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO). These CSOs are subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program. Last Thursday on July 2, the Town of West Springfield announced that heavy rain a few days prior caused more than 6.1 million gallons of untreated wastewater to flow into the Connecticut, Chicopee, and Mill Rivers. “Sewage overflows into our rivers are a recurring, largely preventable consequence of aging combined sewer infrastructure,” Rep. Zawistowski wrote. “Western Massachusetts residents pay the same federal taxes and deserve the same responsiveness from their elected officials in Washington. I would appreciate hearing what steps your office plans to take in response to the CSO issue in the Connecticut River, and I thank you for your continued attention to water quality and infrastructure issues across the entire state.” Rep. Zawistowski asked the Senators to: · Formally inquire with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other relevant federal agencies about the Connecticut River CSOs with the same urgency shown for the Merrimack River situation · Commit to expediting review of any request for federal emergency or infrastructure assistance submitted by the City of Springfield, the City of Holyoke, the Town of West Springfield, or Governor Healey related to these ongoing CSO events and the aging infrastructure that cause them · Support long-term federal investment in CSO remediation for the region’s wastewater systems, which serve a significant portion of Western Massachusetts and have a documented history of overflow events during heavy rain Last spring, in response to concerns from local fishermen and others, Rep. Zawistowski took the lead and sent a formal letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Mark Sanborn requesting his assistance to up-river states from continuing to discharge sewage and other harmful substances into the Connecticut River.

CT River Water Quality Remains Focus of Bipartisan, Multi-state Advocates

Continuing their dialogue to support the Connecticut River and eliminate combined sewer overflows from up-river communities, State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-61), Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, Massachusetts State Representative Pat Duffy, and concerned officials and conservationists met Monday at the Holyoke Dam to tour the Hadley Falls facility and the Robert E. Barrett Fishway. "I want to thank Mayor Garcia and the experts from Holyoke Gas and Energy for providing an inside look at their impressive facility and showing us how they balance river and wildlife conservation while also generating power and providing other beneficial services to the community" Rep. Zawistowski said. “I’m encouraged by the progress our group has made so far to identify areas of concern and work on a pathway forward, but understand a project of this magnitude will take a considerable amount of time to implement fully. Ultimately, with pressure from our cross-border coalition, we’re hoping to see major changes within a decade - not a century.” According to the U.S. EPA, when the amount of water runoff exceeds the capacity of combined municipal wastewater treatment systems, untreated stormwater and wastewater is discharged into nearby waterbodies creating a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO). These CSOs are subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program. With the understanding that significant public funding will be required for these projects, Representative Duffy noted that she is working to secure $10 million to be specifically used by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to study and combat combined sewer overflows (CSOs) from a larger Mass Ready Grant program. The group also discussed the possibility of accessing funding from similar grant programs related to flood resilience, and working with consultants to improve wastewater plants and systems. With the goals of improving overall system performance, anticipating future needs including considering how best to recover vital natural resources, and ways to better treat bio solids to lessen the impacts on downstream communities, the group continues to engage with environmental groups and stakeholders to coordinate cleanup and recovery efforts. In early 2025, in response to concerns from local fishermen and others, Connecticut Reps. Zawistowski and Devin Carney (R-Old Lyme), sent a formal letter to Environmental Protection Agency to request assistance to prevent up-river states from continuing to discharge sewage and other harmful substances into the Connecticut River. Those critical concerns, including the interstate water quality impact, public health risks, environmental justice, and the economic impact to tourism, recreation, and property values along the river corridor prompted these ongoing discussions.

Rep. Zawistowski Joins Kickoff for Bombardier FastTrack Training Program

State Rep. Tami Zawistowski (R-61) today joined Jonathan Savino, Windsor Locks First Selectman, Jason Hayes, East Granby First Selectman, Michael Shea, Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, Ray Godon, General Manager of Bombardier’s Hartford Service Center, Dr. Alice Pritchard, Executive Director of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System and other state and local officials for the kick‑off celebration of Bombardier’s and CT Aero Tech’s new Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) FastTrack accelerated training program. Held in the “demonstration hangar” at Bombardier’s Service Center (Building 85-173) at Bradley International Airport, the formal announcement ceremony highlighted the first of its kind partnership between Bombardier and the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System that will allow A&P students, including veterans, to earn a paycheck while learning the advanced skills that will fast‑track their careers toward becoming full‑time, highly skilled technicians in a high-demand and well-paying industry. “The continued growth and expansion of Connecticut’s high tech aeronautical industry is impressive, and Bombardier’s commitment to training the men and women needed to keep these extremely complex aircraft in peak operating condition will benefit Windsor Locks, North Central Connecticut and the entire state,” Rep. Zawistowski said. “The new program will provide opportunities for those in the workforce seeking to increase their skills and gain FAA certification. Following a brief welcome and remarks by Godon and Shea, the invited guests were able to tour a Bombardier Global 7500 jet and speak with technicians regarding its capabilities, amenities, and more. Interestingly, the cockpit controls, including the HUD EVS system which provides location, safety, and landing information and logistics, were designed locally in Windsor Locks by Collins Aerospace. More information about Bombardier can be found at: https://bombardier.com/en

Celebrating Polish Day, Honoring Rep. Zawistowski

State Rep. Tami Zawistowski was honored for her commitment to her heritage and her success as a small business owner and elected state official during Polish Day events at the State Capitol Thursday. This annual celebration brings together Polish-American residents, community leaders, and dignitaries from across Connecticut, to honor the rich heritage and contributions of the Polish community. In addition to celebrating the 35 th anniversary of Polish Day events at the Capitol, this year they were also celebrating the 235 th anniversary of the Polish Constitution. The Polonia-Paderewski Choir performed both the American and Polish National Anthems to start the festivities, then the crowd heard from Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and Mateusz Debowicz, Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, and other guest speakers before officially recognizing the distinguished honorees who have made meaningful contributions to Polonia in Connecticut. The 2026 Honorees: State Representative Tami Zawistowski Frank Tyszka, Ansonia Mayor State Representative Mary Mushinsky Jason Jakubowski, CT Foodshare CEO Joanna Michalski, New Britain Polish Saturday School