Larson Applauds $1.15 Million Roadway Grant For East Hartford

HARTFORD – Congressman John Larson (CT-01) applauded the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) announcement this afternoon of a $1.15 million grant to fund reconstruction of Riverside Drive in East Hartford. The project is intended to help better link Goodwin College in East Hartford with the community.

"Today's announcement of federal funding for the Riverside Drive reconstruction project is terrific news for our community," Congressman Larson said. "Late last year, I pressed EDA on the importance of federal investment in East Hartford and this project in particular, so I'm very glad to see these funds coming to our community. Not only will this project put residents to work, but it will provide an invaluable service for Goodwin College students and faculty as well as residents throughout East Hartford. The town of East Hartford, Goodwin College and the Metro Hartford Alliance have all been great partners in seeing this project through and I can't thank them enough for their efforts."

The EDA estimates 185 new jobs will be created by the project.

"Goodwin College is very excited that permanent repairs will be made to Riverside Drive and its infrastructure," Goodwin President Mark Scheinberg said. "This road has been in very poor condition for years, and the improvements will support current and future development along Riverside Drive, as well as critical linkages to both the campus and other planned projects such as the multiuse trail network into Rentschler field. Last summer, the college spent over $150k of its own money to make temporary repairs, and we have committed $300k to the required match for the grant."

Last October, Congressman Larson communicated the how crucial economic development funding is for the Metro Hartford Region with Willie Taylor, Regional Director of the EDA. The Congressman also coordinated multiple meetings between East Hartford project stakeholders and the EDA regional office.