PA 15-1, June 2015 Special Session—SB 1501
Emergency Certification
AN ACT AUTHORIZING AND ADJUSTING BONDS OF THE STATE FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER PURPOSES
SUMMARY: This act authorizes up to $1. 866 billion in each year for FYs 16 and 17 in state general obligation (GO) bonds for state capital projects and grant programs, including school construction, economic development, municipal aid, and housing development and rehabilitation programs. It also cancels or reduces $272. 5 million in GO bond authorizations and $3 million in special tax obligation (STO) bond authorizations from prior fiscal years.
The act authorizes up to (1) $238 million in revenue bonds over the two years for Clean Water Fund loans, (2) $681. 4 million in FY 16 and $693. 3 million in FY 17 in STO bonds for transportation projects, and (3) an additional $2. 803 billion in STO bonds from FY 16 to FY 20 for a five-year Department of Transportation (DOT) capital improvement program.
The act establishes new grant programs for municipalities that (1) jointly construct, maintain, or improve regional dog pounds or (2) undertake certain road repairs. It creates a homelessness prevention and response fund to provide forgivable loans and grants to eligible landlords. It also expands existing bond-funded grant programs for (1) general school building improvements that are not normally reimbursable by state school construction grants and (2) municipalities establishing bikeways, pedestrian walkways, or greenways.
Lastly, the act (1) increases, from $50 million to $100 million, the amount of bonds the Green Bank may issue that are backed by a special capital reserve fund and (2) allows UConn to make certain bond reallocations in the UConn 2000 infrastructure program to fund an electronic medical records system at the UConn Health Center.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2015 for FY 16 bond authorizations and July 1, 2016 for FY 17 authorizations. Other sections are effective July 1, 2015, unless otherwise noted below.
§§ 1-38, 55, 57 & 223-226 — BOND AUTHORIZATIONS FOR STATE AGENCY PROJECTS AND GRANTS
The act authorizes new GO bonds for FYs 16 and 17 for the state projects and grant programs listed in Table 1. The bonds are subject to standard issuance procedures and have a maximum term of 20 years.
The act includes a standard provision requiring that, as a condition of bond authorizations for grants to private entities, each granting agency include repayment provisions in its grant contract in case the facility for which the grant is made ceases to be used for the grant purposes within 10 years of the grantee receiving it. The required repayment is reduced by 10% for each full year that the facility is used for the grant purpose.
Table 1: GO Bond Authorizations for State Projects and Grant Programs for FYs 16 and 17
§§ |
AGENCY |
FOR |
FY 16 |
FY 17 |
STATE PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS | ||||
2(a), 21(a) |
Office of Legislative Management |
Information technology updates, replacements, and improvements; Capitol complex equipment replacement, including updated technology for the Office of State Capitol Police; and renovations, repairs, and minor capital improvements to the Capitol and Old State House |
$1,798,500 |
$344,500 |
2(b), 21(b) |
Office of Governmental Accountability |
Information technology improvements |
100,000 |
500,000 |
2(c) |
State Comptroller |
Enhancements and upgrades to the CORE financial system |
20,000,000 |
0 |
2(d), 21(c) |
Office of Policy and Management (OPM) |
Developing and implementing databases in the CORE financial system associated with results-based accountability |
3,000,000 |
3,500,000 |
Designing and implementing the Criminal Justice Information Sharing System |
17,100,000 |
10,000,000 | ||
Transit-oriented development and predevelopment activities |
8,000,000 |
0 | ||
Comprehensive statewide water plan development |
500,000 |
500,000 | ||
Information and technology capital investment program; earmarks (1) $15 million in both FYs 16 and 17 to develop and maintain a statewide health information exchange, including software and related equipment purchases, and (2) $25 million in FY 16 and $16 million in FY 17 to purchase and implement an integrated electronic medical records system at the UConn Health Center |
80,000,000 |
76,000,000 | ||
2(e), 21(d) |
Department of Veterans' Affairs |
Alterations, renovations, and improvements to buildings and grounds |
700,000 |
550,000 |
State matching funds for federal grants for renovations and code improvements to existing facilities |
1,445,300 |
0 | ||
2(f), 21(e) |
Department of Administrative Services (DAS) |
Alterations and improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
Supplier diversity data management system development |
400,000 |
0 | ||
Infrastructure repairs and improvements, including (1) fire, safety, and ADA compliance improvements; (2) improvements to state-owned buildings and grounds, including energy conservation and off-site improvements; and (3) preservation of unoccupied buildings and grounds, including office development, acquisition, renovations for additional parking, and security improvements |
25,000,000 |
25,000,000 | ||
Removing or encapsulating asbestos and hazardous material in state-owned buildings |
10,000,000 |
10,000,000 | ||
Land acquisition, construction, improvements, repairs, and renovations to fire training schools |
10,000,000 |
3,000,000 | ||
Building acquisition and renovation for probate court offices |
4,100,000 |
0 | ||
2(g), 21(f) |
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) |
Alterations, renovations, and improvements to the emergency operations center in Hartford |
500,000 |
2,000,000 |
Alterations, renovations, and improvements to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Meriden |
2,500,000 |
0 | ||
2(h) |
Department of Motor Vehicles |
Alterations, renovations, and improvements to buildings and grounds |
1,420,000 |
0 |
2(i), 21(g) |
Military Department |
Alterations and improvements to buildings and grounds, including utilities, mechanical systems, and energy conservation |
450,000 |
225,000 |
State matching funds for anticipated federal reimbursable projects |
3,271,500 |
2,883,000 | ||
Non-motion-based simulation center construction |
750,000 |
0 | ||
2(j), 21(h) |
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) |
Dam repairs, including state-owned dams |
8,350,000 |
8,075,000 |
Various flood control improvements, flood repair, erosion damage repairs, and municipal dam repairs |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 | ||
Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program for recreation, open space, and resource protection and management |
10,000,000 |
10,000,000 | ||
Alterations, renovations, and new construction, including ADA improvements, at state parks and recreation facilities |
0 |
25,000,000 | ||
21(i) |
Agricultural Experiment Station |
Construction and equipment for additions and renovations to the Valley Laboratory in Windsor |
0 |
11,500,000 |
Renovations and improvements to the Jenkins Laboratory greenhouses |
0 |
200,000 | ||
2(k), 21(j) |
Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) |
Alterations, renovations, and improvements to the Connecticut Convention Center and Rentschler Field |
5,500,000 |
3,500,000 |
2(l), 21(k) |
Department of Developmental Services (DDS) |
(1) Fire, safety, and environmental improvements to regional facilities and intermediate care facilities for client and staff needs, including improvements in compliance with current codes, and (2) site improvements, handicapped access improvements, utilities, repair or replacement of roofs, air conditioning, and other interior and exterior building renovations and additions at all state-owned facilities |
7,500,000 |
7,500,000 |
2(m), 21(l) |
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) |
(1) Fire, safety, and environmental improvements to regional facilities and intermediate care facilities for client and staff needs, including improvements in compliance with current codes, and (2) site improvements, handicapped access improvements, utilities, repair or replacement of roofs, air conditioning, and other interior and exterior building renovations and additions at all state-owned facilities |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
21(m) |
State Department of Education (SDE) |
For the technical high school system: Alterations and improvements to buildings and grounds, including new and replacement equipment, tools, and supplies necessary to update curricula; vehicles; and technology upgrades |
0 |
12,000,000 |
2(n), 21(n) |
Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) |
All colleges and universities: New and replacement instruction, research, or laboratory equipment |
16,000,000 |
12,000,000 |
All colleges and universities: Consolidating and upgrading student and financial information technology systems |
20,000,000 |
40,000,000 | ||
All colleges and universities: Advanced manufacturing and emerging technology programs |
2,500,000 |
2,625,000 | ||
All community colleges: Deferred maintenance, code compliance, and infrastructure improvements |
15,500,000 |
10,000,000 | ||
All universities: Deferred maintenance, code compliance, and infrastructure improvements |
10,000,000 |
12,000,000 | ||
Norwalk Community College: Implementation of Phase III of the Master Plan |
28,800,000 |
0 | ||
Norwalk Community College: Alterations, renovations, and improvements to the B wing building |
0 |
5,190,000 | ||
Capital Community College: Alterations, renovations, and improvements to optimize space utilization |
5,000,000 |
0 | ||
Tunxis Community College: Implementation of Phase III of the Master Plan |
3,000,000 |
0 | ||
Asnuntuck Community College: Alterations, renovations, and improvements to expand library and student services |
0 |
3,800,000 | ||
21(o) |
Department of Correction |
Alterations, renovations, and improvements to existing state-owned buildings for inmate housing, programming, staff training space, and additional inmate capacity; support facilities; and off-site improvements |
0 |
15,000,000 |
2(o), 21(p) |
Department of Children and Families (DCF) |
Alterations, renovations, and improvements to buildings and grounds |
3,828,000 |
2,073,000 |
2(p), 21(q) |
Judicial Department |
Alterations, renovations, and improvements to buildings and grounds at state-owned and -maintained facilities |
7,500,000 |
7,500,000 |
Technology Strategic Plan Project implementation |
7,500,000 |
7,500,000 | ||
Exterior renovations and improvements at the Superior Courthouse in New Haven |
9,000,000 |
0 | ||
New furniture, equipment, and telecommunications systems for the Litchfield Judicial District courthouse in Torrington |
4,400,000 |
0 | ||
HOUSING PROJECTS | ||||
9, 28, 57 |
Department of Housing (DOH) |
Housing development and rehabilitation, including improvements to various kinds of state-assisted affordable housing and housing-related financial assistance programs; requires DOH to use up to $30 million in each FY to revitalize moderate rental housing units in the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority's state housing portfolio |
135,000,000 |
135,000,000 |
Homelessness prevention and response fund (see § 57 below) |
15,000,000 |
15,000,000 | ||
GRANTS | ||||
13(a), 32(a), 55, 223-224 |
OPM |
Grants to private, nonprofit, tax-exempt health and human service organizations for alterations, renovations, improvements, additions, and new construction, including (1) health, safety, ADA compliance, and energy conservation improvements; (2) information technology systems; (3) technology for independence; (4) vehicle purchases; and (5) property acquisition |
10,000,000 |
10,000,000 |
Responsible Growth Incentive Fund |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 | ||
Grants for purchasing body-worn recording equipment and digital data storage devices or services for law enforcement officers; earmarks (1) $2 million to DESPP for State Police and (2) $13 million to municipalities for local law enforcement officers |
15,000,000 |
0 | ||
Municipal aid grants (see § 55 below) |
60,000,000 |
60,000,000 | ||
Regional dog pound grant program (see §§ 223 & 224 below) |
0 |
20,000,000 | ||
13(b), 32(b) |
DAS |
Grants to alliance districts for general school building improvements (see § 59 below) |
50,000,000 |
50,000,000 |
13(c), 32(c) |
Department of Labor |
Subsidized Training and Employment program |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
32(d) |
Department of Agriculture (DoAg) |
Farm Reinvestment program |
0 |
1,000,000 |
13(d), 32(e) |
DEEP |
Long Island Sound stewardship and resiliency program (1) to protect coastal marshes and other natural buffer areas and (2) for grants to increase the resiliency of wastewater treatment facilities |
20,000,000 |
0 |
Grants to municipalities to encourage low-impact design of green municipal infrastructure to reduce nonpoint source pollution |
20,000,000 |
0 | ||
Grants to municipalities for open space acquisition and development for conservation or recreational purposes |
8,000,000 |
8,000,000 | ||
Program to establish energy microgrids to support critical municipal infrastructure |
0 |
15,000,000 | ||
Grants for identifying, investigating, containing, removing, or mitigating contaminated industrial sites in urban areas |
0 |
5,000,000 | ||
13(e), 32(f) |
Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) |
Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund; earmarks $3. 5 million in FY 16 for a grant to the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology for researching and developing high rate laser-engineered additive manufacturing machining |
20,000,000 |
20,000,000 |
Small Business Express program |
50,000,000 |
50,000,000 | ||
Brownfield Remediation and Redevelopment program |
20,000,000 |
20,000,000 | ||
Implementing a minority business enterprise assistance program to assist such businesses in obtaining surety bonds for capital construction projects, including bid, performance, and payment bonds; program may be run by a contracted nonprofit entity |
2,000,000 |
0 | ||
Grants to nonprofit organizations sponsoring cultural and historic sites |
0 |
5,000,000 | ||
13(f), 32(g) |
DOH |
Main Street Investment Fund |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
13(g), 32(h) |
CRDA |
CRDA's statutory purposes and uses; caps at $20 million the amount of bonds that may be used to finance projects, including public infrastructure grants, in Hartford outside (1) the capital city economic development district in FY 16 and (2) CRDA's boundaries in FY 17; for FY 16, requires that at least $10 million of the $20 million be made available for projects in the federally designated Promise Zone |
50,000,000 |
50,000,000 |
Grant to the Tennis Foundation of Connecticut for capital improvements |
1,500,000 |
1,500,000 | ||
32(i) |
DDS |
Grants to private nonprofit organizations for supportive housing |
0 |
20,000,000 |
13(h), 32(j), 225, 226 |
DOT |
Grants for port, harbor, and marina improvements, including dredging and navigational improvements; requires that at least $5 million be made available to Connecticut ports, harbors, and marinas other than the deep-water ports in Bridgeport, New Haven, and New London |
17,500,000 |
0 |
Grants to municipalities for the Town-Aid-Road program |
60,000,000 |
60,000,000 | ||
Pothole repair assistance program (see §§ 225 & 226 below) |
5,000,000 |
0 | ||
13(i), 32(k) |
SDE |
Grants for Sheff magnet school program start-up costs: purchasing a building or portable classrooms, leasing space, and purchasing equipment, including computers and classroom furniture; if the grant was for purchasing a building that ceases to be used as an interdistrict magnet school, the DAS and SDE commissioners must determine whether title reverts to the state or the district must reimburse the state according to a set formula |
20,000,000 |
5,750,000 |
Grants to targeted local and regional school districts for alterations, repairs, improvements, technology, and equipment in low-performing schools |
6,000,000 |
10,000,000 | ||
Grants to the American School for the Deaf for alterations, renovations, and improvements to the buildings and grounds |
5,000,000 |
0 | ||
Grants for alterations, repairs, improvements, technology, equipment, and capital start-up costs to expand the availability of high-quality school models and assist in implementing Common Core state standards and assessments, in accordance with procedures the SDE commissioner establishes |
0 |
5,000,000 | ||
13(j), 32(l) |
State Library |
Grants to public libraries for construction, renovations, expansion, energy conservation, and handicapped accessibility |
5,000,000 |
7,000,000 |
Grants to public libraries for high-speed connections to the Connecticut Education Network |
3,600,000 |
0 | ||
32(m) |
Connecticut Port Authority |
Grants for port, harbor, and marina improvements, including dredging and navigational improvements; requires that at least $5 million be made available to Connecticut ports, harbors, and marinas other than the deep water ports in Bridgeport, New Haven, and New London |
0 |
17,500,000 |
§ 55 — Municipal Aid Grants
The act authorizes up to $60 million in GO bonds each year in FYs 16 and 17 to OPM for grants to municipalities through the Town-Aid-Road (TAR) program. The act specifies the amounts and recipients of the grants.
By law, the TAR program provides grants to municipalities for building, improving, and maintaining roads and bridges, and for other highway, traffic, and parking purposes, but the OPM secretary may approve a town's use of TAR funds for other purposes.
§ 57 — Homelessness Prevention and Response Fund
The act authorizes up to $15 million in GO bonds each year in FYs 16 and 17 to DOH for a homelessness prevention and response fund. Under the act, the fund provides forgivable loans and grants to landlords (1) participating in a rapid rehousing program (e. g. , waiving security deposits or abating rent for a designated period) and (2) abating rent for scattered supportive housing units. The act allows DOH to retain up to 5% of the bond proceeds for administrative purposes.
Participating landlords receive loans and grants to (1) renovate multifamily homes, under the rapid rehousing program, and (2) renovate multifamily homes, fund ongoing maintenance and repair, or capitalize operating and replacement reserves, under the supportive housing rent abatement program. For both programs, renovations include building code compliance work and major improvements.
§§ 223-224 — Regional Dog Pound Program
The act authorizes up to $20 million in GO bonds in FY 17 for grants to cities and towns that jointly operate regional dog pounds. A municipality qualifies for a grant if it does these things together with at least one other municipality under an interlocal agreement, which is a document that two or more municipalities must execute before jointly performing any function that they may perform separately (CGS § 7-148cc).
The OPM secretary must administer the grants, which cover up to 50% of the amount a municipality contributes during the relevant fiscal year toward constructing, maintaining, or improving a building that is suitable for operating a dog pound. Municipalities seeking a grant must apply to the OPM secretary for the grants in the time and manner he prescribes.
§§ 225-226 — Pothole Repair Assistance Program
The act authorizes up to $5 million in GO bonds in FY 16 for a pothole repair assistance program that provides grants to municipalities for certain road repairs. It requires the DOT commissioner to administer the program within available appropriations. The act authorizes the grants in FY 16 to cities and towns for the excess costs they incurred in repairing or reconstructing highways and bridges, including repairing potholes, related to damage caused by winter storms or cold temperatures.
Under the act, a municipality's excess cost is the amount by which its repair costs from November to April in FY 15 exceeded its average repair costs for the same period in FYs 12 through 14.
§§ 39-50 & 232-237 — TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
§§ 39-50 — FYs 16 and 17 STO Bonds
The act authorizes up to $681. 4 million in new STO bonds in FY 16 and up to $693. 3 million in FY 17 for DOT projects, as shown in Table 2.
Table 2: STO Bond Authorizations for DOT Projects
Authorized Program Areas |
FY 16 |
FY 17 |
Bureau of Engineering and Highway Operations | ||
Interstate highway program |
$13,000,000 |
$13,000,000 |
Urban systems projects |
10,138,710 |
12,112,100 |
Intrastate highway program |
44,000,000 |
44,000,000 |
Environmental compliance, soil and groundwater remediation, hazardous material abatement, demolition, salt shed construction and renovation, storage tank replacement, and environmental emergency response at or near state-owned properties or related to DOT operations |
17,556,000 |
18,535,000 |
State bridge improvement, rehabilitation, and replacement |
33,000,000 |
33,000,000 |
Capital resurfacing and related reconstruction |
75,000,000 |
75,000,000 |
Fix-it-First bridge repair program |
70,000,000 |
70,000,000 |
Fix-it-First road repair program |
55,000,000 |
55,000,000 |
Local Transportation Capital Program |
74,000,000 |
74,000,000 |
Highway and bridge renewal equipment |
20,381,280 |
10,381,280 |
Local bridge program |
10,000,000 |
10,000,000 |
Bureau of Aviation and Ports | ||
Reconstructing and improving the warehouse and State Pier in New London, including improvements to the site and ferry slips |
5,331,000 |
2,650,000 |
Developing and improving general aviation airports, including grants to municipal airports, other than Bradley International Airport |
2,000,000 |
2,000,000 |
Bureau of Public Transportation | ||
Bus and rail facilities and equipment, including rights-of-way, other property acquisition, and related projects |
205,300,000 |
208,100,000 |
Bureau of Administration | ||
Department facilities |
20,719,775 |
25,510,000 |
STO bonds, cost of issuance and debt service reserve |
26,000,000 |
40,000,000 |
§§ 232-237 — Five-Year Capital Improvement Program
The act authorizes up to $2. 803 billion in STO bonds over five years for DOT's capital improvement program. It authorizes the bonds from FY 16 to FY 20, as shown in Table 3, for the projects listed in Table 4.
Table 3: STO Bond Authorization Schedule
Fiscal Year |
Bond Amount (millions) |
FY 16 |
$274. 85 |
FY 17 |
520. 2 |
FY 18 |
551. 7 |
FY 19 |
749. 8 |
FY 20 |
706. 0 |
TOTAL |
$2,802. 55 |
Table 4: DOT Projects
For the Bureau of Engineering and Highway Operations |
Design and engineering for Interstate 84 widening between exits 3 and 8 |
Design and engineering for Interstate 84 viaduct replacement in Hartford |
Operational lanes for Interstate 84 interchanges 40 to 42 in West Hartford |
Design and engineering for Interstate 84 and Route 8 interchange improvements in Waterbury |
Design and engineering for Interstate 91, Interstate 691, and Route 15 interchange improvements |
Design and engineering for Interstate 95 widening between Bridgeport and Stamford |
Design and engineering, including rights-of-way for Interstate 95 widening between the Baldwin Bridge and the Gold Star Bridge |
Relocate and reconfigure the Interstate 91 interchange 29 in Hartford |
Rehabilitate and repair the Interstate 95 Gold Star Bridge |
Reconfigure Route 7 and Route 15 interchange in Norwalk |
Design and engineering for Route 9 improvements in Middletown |
Urban bikeway, pedestrian connectivity, trails, and alternative mobility programs |
Rehabilitate Route 15 West Rock Tunnel and interchange 59 |
Implement Innovative Bridge Delivery and Construction Program |
For the Bureau of Public Transportation |
Bus rolling stock for service expansions |
Statewide rail rolling stock replacement program, including café cars on the New Haven Line |
Continued expansion, rolling stock, and development of stations on the Hartford Line |
Extend the CTfastrak bus rapid transit corridor east to Manchester |
Implement a bus rapid transit corridor for Route 1 between Norwalk and Stamford |
New signal system on the Waterbury branch line |
Interim repairs to the SAGA moveable and Cos Cob bridges on the New Haven Line |
Design, engineer, and construct a new dock yard on the Danbury branch line |
Design and construct the Orange, Barnum, and Merritt 7 stations on the New Haven Line and Danbury branch line |
Develop a Madison station and parking garage on Shoreline East |
Study for an East Lyme (Niantic) station on Shoreline East |
Design and construct a parking deck and pedestrian bridge in New Haven on the New Haven Line |
Design and construct a pedestrian bridge in Stamford on the New Haven Line |
Implement a real-time location and bus information system statewide |
Implement a real-time audio and video system on the New Haven Line |
Develop a plan to upgrade capacity and speed on the New Haven Line |
Study for centralized paratransit service coordination statewide |
Improvements on New Canaan branch line to increase frequency and enhance service to and from the main line, including siding, platform, and improvements to the Springdale Station |
§§ 51-54, 56-67 & 238 — BOND AUTHORIZATIONS FOR STATUTORY PROGRAMS AND GRANTS
The act increases bond authorization limits for various statutory grants and purposes, and allocates new bonding for these purposes for FYs 16 and 17, as shown in Table 5.
Table 5: Statutory Bond Authorizations for FYs 16 and 17
§ |
Agency |
Purpose/Fund |
FY 16 |
FY 17 |
51 |
OPM |
Urban Action (economic and community development project grants) |
$70,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
52 |
OPM |
Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) |
20,000,000 |
20,000,000 |
53 |
OPM |
Capital Equipment Purchase Fund |
30,000,000 |
30,000,000 |
54 |
OPM |
Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) |
30,000,000 |
30,000,000 |
56 |
DOH |
Housing Trust Fund |
40,000,000 |
25,000,000 |
58 |
SDE |
Charter school capital expenses |
0 |
5,000,000 |
60 |
DAS |
School construction projects |
530,000,000 |
560,000,000 |
61 |
SDE |
School construction interest subsidy grants |
3,000,000 |
2,100,000 |
63 |
DEEP |
Clean Water Fund grants |
47,500,000 |
92,500,000 |
64 |
DEEP |
Clean Water Fund loans (revenue bonds) |
58,000,000 |
180,000,000 |
65 |
DEEP |
Bikeway, pedestrian walkway, and greenway grants (see below) |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
66 |
DECD |
Manufacturing Assistance Act |
100,000,000 |
100,000,000 |
67 |
SDE |
School security infrastructure grant program |
10,000,000 |
0 |
§§ 65 & 238 — Connecticut Bikeway, Walkway, and Greenway Grant Program
The act (1) authorizes $5 million in GO bonds per year in FYs 16 and 17 for an existing municipal grant program for establishing bikeways, pedestrian walkways, and greenways and (2) expands the purposes of the program to allow a wider range of potential projects and grant recipients. It repeals substantially similar provisions in PA 15-190. The act expands the (1) program to cover recreational trails and (2) eligible grant recipients to include private nonprofit institutions, agencies, districts, and other organizations.
Under the act, eligible projects may include locally supported trails and trail systems, in addition to currently eligible projects (e. g. , bikeways and multiuse paths established as part of the State Recreational Trails Plan). The act allows grant funds to be used for equipment, trail amenities and facilities, parking lots, toilet buildings, signs, benches, and developing and maintaining trails and trail-related facilities for motorized and nonmotorized uses. As under existing law, grants may also be used for planning, design, land acquisition, construction, construction administration, and publications for bikeways, walkways, greenways, and multiuse trails.
By law, to be eligible for a grant, an applicant must include a 20% match from municipal, federal, other state, nonprofit, or private funds. If the application is for more than one municipality, the match requirement is 10%. The act (1) also allows in-kind services to count toward the 20% match and (2) provides the 10% match if the application is specifically for trails in more than one municipality or applicant. Additionally, the applicant must assume responsibility for maintaining the bikeways or other trails. Under prior law, the municipality was responsible.
The act increases, from up to 2% to up to 5%, the amount of the bond allocation DEEP may use to administer the program. It also requires the Connecticut Greenways Council, instead of an advisory committee of trail users and advocates, to advise DEEP on the allocation of funds. By law, the 11-member council advises the state and municipalities on planning and implementing greenways.
§ 59 — SCHOOL BUILDING IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
Existing law establishes a grant program for general school building improvements that are not normally reimbursable by state school construction grants. The act expands the school districts and range of projects eligible for the grants. It also transfers the program's administration from the SDE commissioner to the DAS commissioner, in consultation with the SDE commissioner.
Eligible Districts
Under existing law, the grants are open to priority districts (i. e. , 15 districts whose students receive low standardized test scores and have high levels of poverty). The act expands it to cover alliance districts (i. e. , the 30 lowest- performing districts in the state, which include the priority districts). It requires DAS to give priority to any district that includes with its grant application a life-cycle stewardship plan describing the district's investments and other past and future efforts to extend the life of its facilities and equipment.
Minimum Grants for the Largest Districts
The act requires that all grant awards to the alliance districts with the five largest populations (based on the 2010 federal census) be at least $2 million.
Eligible Projects
By law, eligible projects are (1) restroom upgrades, including replacing fixtures; (2) door, window, boiler and other heating and ventilating component replacement; (3) replacement of internal communications systems and lockers; (4) drop ceiling replacement and installation; (5) lighting upgrades and replacement; (6) security system installation, including fencing and video surveillance devices; and (7) any other work approved by the education commissioner after justification by the district.
The act expands this list to include (1) replacement of technology systems, floors, and cafeteria equipment; (2) water supplies and drainage related to restroom upgrades; (3) energy efficient lighting system and control upgrades to increase efficiency and reduce consumption and cost; (4) entryway, driveway, parking, play area, and athletic field upgrades; (5) equipment upgrades; (6) roof repairs, including energy efficient fixtures and systems, and environmental enhancements; and (7) security equipment upgrades. The act also requires that any security equipment installations or upgrades be consistent with the School Safety Infrastructure Council's school safety infrastructure standards.
As under existing law, grants may not be used for routine maintenance such as painting, cleaning, minor or equipment repairs, or for work on the board's administrative facilities. Funded projects must be completed by the end of the fiscal year following the year of the grant.
Under prior law, districts could not use grant funds to supplant state, federal, or local funding for school building improvements. The act instead provides that they may not use grants funds to supplant local matching requirements for such funding sources.
§ 62 — CONNECTICUT STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (CSCU) 2020 PROGRAM
Among other things, PA 07-7, June Special Session, (1) established the Connecticut State University System (CSUS) 2020 infrastructure program and (2) required the (a) CSUS Board of Trustees (now BOR) to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the OPM secretary and the treasurer regarding the bond issuance for the program and (b) bond commission to approve the MOU. The act deems the memorandum of understanding dated July 8, 2008, and approved by the bond commission on August 8, 2008, to incorporate changes a 2014 public act made to the program.
Among other things, PA 14-98 (§§ 50-57) (1) authorized $103. 5 million in new bonding under the CSUS 2020 program (renamed by the act as the CSCU 2020 program); (2) expanded the program to include the regional community-technical colleges and Charter Oak State College; and (3) extended it by one year to FY 19.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
§§ 68-222, 227 & 229-230 — CHANGES TO PRIOR BOND AUTHORIZATIONS
§§ 68-103, 105-141 & 143-220 — GO Bond Cancellations and Reductions
The act cancels or reduces all or part of prior bond authorizations for the projects and grants shown in Table 6. Authorizations are listed alphabetically by agency.
Table 6: Cancellations and Reductions in Prior GO Bond Authorizations
§§ |
FOR |
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION |
AMOUNT CANCELED |
Agricultural Experiment Station | |||
134 |
Jenkins Laboratory alterations, renovations, and additions |
1,300,000 |
40,000 |
206 |
Jenkins Building renovations and construction |
3,500,000 |
128,505 |
BOR | |||
85 |
Capital Community Technical College: Campus expansion |
6,000,000 |
500,000 |
136 |
Central Connecticut State University: East Campus infrastructure improvements, including road, site, and utility improvements |
1,800,000 |
1,800,000 |
193 |
Community colleges: Facility alterations, renovations, and improvements, including fire safety, energy conservation, code compliance, and property acquisition |
2,000,000 |
108,705 |
194 |
Capital Community College: Property acquisition |
4,595,756 |
4,595,756 |
204 |
Community colleges: Facility alterations, renovations, and improvements, including fire, safety, energy conservation, and code compliance |
4,000,000 |
42,660 |
217 |
Community colleges: Facility alterations, and improvements, including fire, safety, energy conservation, code compliance and property acquisition |
2,000,000 |
17,009 |
Connecticut Green Bank | |||
191 |
Renewable energy and efficient energy finance program |
18,000,000 |
10,000,000 |
Connecticut Innovations Inc. | |||
79 |
Financial aid for biotechnology and other high technology laboratories, facilities, and equipment |
2,000,000 |
2,000,000 |
State Library | |||
118 |
Grants to public libraries for construction, renovations, expansions, energy conservation, and handicapped accessibility |
3,500,000 |
7,604 |
119 |
Madison: Scranton Memorial Library expansion |
500,000 |
500,000 |
176 |
Somers: Somers Library expansion |
439,025 |
439,025 |
DCF | |||
98 |
Grants to private, nonprofit organizations to construct and renovate community youth centers for neighborhood recreation or education purposes, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, YMCAs, YWCAs, and community centers; also repeals earmarks for Bridgeport Police Athletic League ($1,000,000) and Burroughs Community Center ($750,000) |
3,700,000 |
87,800 |
137 |
Development and construction of self-contained, secure treatment facility for girls |
5,000,000 |
4,357,000 |
178 |
Development and construction of self-contained, secure treatment facility for girls |
6,000,000 |
6,000,000 |
196 |
Construct a secure facility for delinquent girls ages 14-17 |
4,700,000 |
4,700,000 |
DDS | |||
117 |
Grants to private nonprofit organizations for nonresidential facility alterations and improvements |
2,000,000 |
1,944,600 |
DECD | |||
87 |
Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance: Community sports complex in Hartford |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
96 |
Samuel Huntington Trust, Inc. : Capital campaign to preserve the Samuel Huntington House |
70,000 |
70,000 |
97 |
Quinebaug Shetucket Heritage Corridor, Inc. : Planning the completion of the Airline Trail |
100,000 |
100,000 |
99 |
Craftery Gallery, Inc. : Building purchase and necessary alterations and renovations |
50,000 |
50,000 |
100 |
Portland: Property renovation for the Sculptors Museum and Training Center |
90,000 |
90,000 |
101 |
Portland: Improvements and repairs to the town green gazebo and historic brownstone swing |
50,000 |
50,000 |
115 |
Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund: Grants to be matched with private contributions from nonprofit organizations |
500,000 |
500,000 |
116 |
Bristol: American Clock and Watch Museum renovation |
1,500,000 |
1,500,000 |
120 |
Ansonia: Downtown development |
125,000 |
125,000 |
121 |
Thompson: Downtown revitalization |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
122 |
East Hartford Housing Authority: Renovation of existing building into a community center at Veterans Terrace |
350,000 |
350,000 |
123 |
Cromwell: Downtown revitalization |
150,000 |
150,000 |
124 |
Bloomfield: Façade improvement program |
500,000 |
500,000 |
153 |
Greenwich: Renovate existing or construct new exhibition areas, teaching spaces, and the science gallery at Bruce Museum |
1,000,000 |
250,000 |
154 |
Norwich Free Academy: Slater Memorial Museum ADA improvements, including an elevator |
800,000 |
800,000 |
155 |
Granby: Holcomb Farm building restoration and renovation |
50,000 |
50,000 |
156 |
Stanley L. Richter Association for the Arts in Danbury: Roof repair, expansion, and ADA improvements |
150,000 |
150,000 |
157 |
East Hampton: Restore and renovate Goff House |
100,000 |
100,000 |
158 |
New Haven Museum and Historical Society: Restore and reconstruct Pardee Morris House |
350,000 |
350,000 |
159 |
Southeastern Connecticut Economic Diversification Revolving Loan Fund |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
160 |
Fuel diversification grant program |
1,500,000 |
1,500,000 |
161 |
New Britain Stadium: New scoreboard, production equipment, and related software, and repairs and upgrades to suites |
500,000 |
500,000 |
162 |
Southington: Southington Drive-In renovations |
250,000 |
250,000 |
163 |
Hamden: Whitneyville Center streetscape improvements |
390,000 |
390,000 |
164 |
Southington: Road relocation, utility upgrades, new service facilities, and other improvements related to Lake Compounce Water Park expansion |
3,300,000 |
3,300,000 |
165 |
Farmington: Complete portion of a trail in Rails to Trails |
65,000 |
15,000 |
166 |
Portland: Sidewalk repairs |
200,000 |
200,000 |
167 |
Newington: Community center |
750,000 |
750,000 |
168 |
Stratford: Streetscape improvements |
250,000 |
250,000 |
184 |
Mystic: Improve transportation access at the north gate at the Museum of America and the Sea at Mystic Seaport |
750,000 |
750,000 |
185 |
Torrington: Develop and construct the Warner Theatre Stage House |
750,000 |
750,000 |
186 |
Stanley L. Richter Association for the Arts in Danbury: Roof repair, expansion, and ADA improvements |
150,000 |
150,000 |
187 |
Southeastern Connecticut Economic Diversification Revolving Loan Fund |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
188 |
Biofuel Production Facility Incentive program |
3,500,000 |
3,500,000 |
189 |
New Haven: River Street development project |
2,250,000 |
2,250,000 |
210 |
Establish an electronic business portal |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
212 |
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority: Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program |
60,000,000 |
20,000,000 |
213 |
Purchase of urban and industrial sites reinvestment tax credit eligibility certificates |
40,000,000 |
40,000,000 |
DEEP | |||
69 |
Yantic River flood control project in Norwich and Franklin |
2,700,000 |
1,200,000 |
70 |
Special contaminated property remediation and insurance fund |
5,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
91 |
East Hartford: Capping the East Hartford landfill |
900,000 |
900,000 |
92 |
Norwalk River Rowing Association, Inc. : Boathouse construction |
250,000 |
250,000 |
93 |
Putnam: Murphy Park improvements |
250,000 |
250,000 |
94 |
Thompson: Hydroelectric feasibility study |
250,000 |
250,000 |
95 |
Rocky Hill: Elm Ridge Park skate park improvements |
100,000 |
100,000 |
108 |
East Hartford: Capping the East Hartford landfill |
900,000 |
900,000 |
109 |
Scotland: Recreational facility improvements |
250,000 |
250,000 |
110 |
Canterbury: Recreational facility improvements |
250,000 |
250,000 |
111 |
Thompson: Recreational facility improvements |
250,000 |
232,600 |
112 |
Wallingford: Public school athletic field renovations |
525,000 |
275,000 |
113 |
Chaplin: Garrison Park playscape replacement |
50,000 |
50,000 |
114 |
Bristol: Rockwell Park rehabilitation and renovation |
3,000,000 |
2,500,000 |
143 |
New Britain: Replacing Brooklawn Street Bridge on Willow Brook |
300,000 |
300,000 |
144 |
Connecticut Institute of Water Resources: River basins study |
500,000 |
500,000 |
145 |
North Branford: Swatchuk property development for active and passive recreation |
439,025 |
439,025 |
146 |
Thomaston: Extend water main in Jackson Street area |
1,756,100 |
1,756,100 |
147 |
Wolcott: Retire debt associated with water line installation |
500,000 |
100,000 |
148 |
Simsbury: Tariffville section infrastructure improvement |
200,000 |
200,000 |
149 |
Danbury: Acquire Terre Haute property for open space |
2,000,000 |
2,000,000 |
150 |
Trumbull: Open space and Great Oak Park trail development |
50,000 |
20,000 |
151 |
South Windsor: Purchase or construct a regional animal shelter |
500,000 |
500,000 |
152 |
Preston: Demolish former Poquetanuck School |
250,000 |
87,500 |
182 |
Simsbury: Open space acquisition and farmland preservation at Meadow Wood |
500,000 |
450,000 |
183 |
Guilford: East River Preserve |
2,000,000 |
2,000,000 |
199 |
Energy efficiency fuel oil furnace and boiler replacement, upgrade, and repair program |
10,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
201 |
Contain, remove, or mitigate identified hazardous waste disposal sites |
10,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
216 |
Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program for recreation, open space, and resource protection and management |
10,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
219 |
Energy microgrids to support critical municipal infrastructure |
15,000,000 |
10,000,000 |
DESPP | |||
106 |
South Fire District: Middletown fire station renovations |
475,000 |
475,000 |
107 |
Stamford: Radio systems to improve police and fire department communications |
500,000 |
500,000 |
140 |
Quinebaug Valley Emergency Communications Center: Land acquisition and construction |
2,950,000 |
2,950,000 |
141 |
North Stonington: Firehouse improvements |
250,000 |
250,000 |
180 |
Somers: Two fire substations |
439,025 |
439,025 |
203 |
Programmatic study of State Police troops and districts and developing a design prototype for troop facilities |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
215 |
Design, construct, and equip a consolidated communications center at Middletown headquarters |
4,000,000 |
3,835,000 |
DMHAS | |||
72 |
Design and install sprinkler systems in direct patient care buildings, including related fire safety improvements |
3,500,000 |
1,115,800 |
76 |
Alterations, renovations, additions, and improvements, including new construction, according to DMHAS master campus plan |
1,000,000 |
113,407 |
DoAg | |||
181 |
Biofuel Crops program for grants to farmers, agricultural nonprofit organizations, and farm cooperatives to cultivate and produce crops used to generate biofuels |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
DOH | |||
132 |
Energy Conservation Loan Fund (Prior authorization was $5 million annually. The act terminates the authorizations as of FY 10) |
5,000,000 annually |
30,000,000 ($5 million per year from FYs 10-15) |
220 |
Nursing home alterations, renovations, and improvements for conversion to other uses in support of right-sizing |
10,000,000 |
10,000,000 |
DOT | |||
131 |
Southington: Reconstruct intersection of Marion Avenue and Mount Vernon Road |
150,000 |
150,000 |
Department of Public Health | |||
169 |
Community Health Center, Inc. : Renovate and improve Groton facility |
500,000 |
500,000 |
170 |
KB Ambulance Corporation: Building additions and alterations in Danielson |
465,000 |
465,000 |
DSS | |||
102 |
Plainfield: Plainfield High School Annex Building conversion to municipal community center |
180,000 |
180,000 |
103 |
West Hartford: Senior center relocation |
500,000 |
500,000 |
125 |
Grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations for facility improvements and minor capital repairs to licensed school readiness programs and state-funded day care centers they operate |
2,000,000 |
2,000,000 |
126 |
Newington: Mortensen Community Center gymnasium improvements |
220,000 |
220,000 |
127 |
Stratford: South End Community Center planning and construction |
750,000 |
750,000 |
128 |
United Services of Dayville: Facility alterations and expansion |
750,000 |
750,000 |
129 |
East Hartford YMCA: Capital building improvements |
300,000 |
300,000 |
130 |
Mystic Area Shelter and Hospitality, Inc. : Renovations and improvements |
50,000 |
50,000 |
171 |
Brookfield: Expand senior center, including computer equipment |
439,025 |
439,025 |
172 |
Action for Bridgeport Community, Inc. : Acquire and renovate property for an early learning center |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
173 |
Mi Casa, Hartford: Renovate and acquire equipment for wellness center |
300,000 |
300,000 |
174 |
Nonprofit organizations in Waterbury: Facility alterations, renovations, and improvements, including new construction, with up to (1) $2 million for the St. Margaret Willow Plaza Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Association, Inc. and (2) $500,000 for the Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury, Inc. |
2,500,000 |
2,500,000 |
175 |
Jewish Community Center of Eastern Fairfield County: Facility upgrades, asbestos removal, and HVAC replacement |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
Judicial Department | |||
82 |
Development of criminal/juvenile courthouse in New Haven |
15,000,000 |
10,000,000 |
138 |
Study of current and future space needs at Manchester area courthouse |
50,000 |
50,000 |
205 |
Security improvements at various state-owned and -maintained facilities |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
208 |
Security improvements at various state-owned and -maintained facilities |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
OPM | |||
209 |
Intertown Capital Equipment Purchase Incentive program |
20,000,000 |
10,000,000 |
SDE | |||
74 |
American School for the Deaf: Alterations, renovations, and improvements to buildings and grounds, including new construction |
10,000,000 |
594,291 |
77 |
American School for the Deaf: Alterations, renovations, and improvements to buildings and grounds, including new construction |
5,000,000 |
800,000 |
81 |
American School for the Deaf: Alterations, renovations, and improvements to buildings and grounds, including new construction |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
84 |
American School for the Deaf: Alterations, renovations, and improvements to buildings and grounds, including new construction and fire alarms |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
89 |
American School for the Deaf: Alterations, renovations, and improvements to buildings and grounds, including new construction and fire alarms |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
135 |
American School for the Deaf: Alterations, renovations, and improvements to buildings and grounds, including new construction and portable classrooms |
1,300,000 |
1,300,000 |
190 |
Municipalities, regional school districts, and regional education service centers: Wiring school buildings |
2,000,000 |
217,307 |
198 |
Grants to SDE-accredited alternative education providers for students aged 14-21 to acquire property, and for facility design, planning, construction, or renovation |
2,000,000 |
2,000,000 |
§§ 104, 142, 227 & 229-230 — Language Changes for Existing Authorizations
The act changes the purposes of several existing bond authorizations, as indicated in Table 7.
Table 7: Language Changes for Existing Bond Authorizations
§ |
Amount Authorized |
Agency |
Prior |
Enacted Change |
104 |
$250,000 |
DOT |
Middlefield: Mattabeseck Bridge improvements |
Middlefield: Bridges, roads, and infrastructure |
142 |
487,805 |
DEEP |
Lakes Restoration program; earmarks up to $87,805 for Lake Beseck in Middlefield and up to $200,000 for Pattagansett Lake in East Lyme |
Facility and property improvements at latitude 41. 5720414 and longitude -73. 0401073 (i. e. , Fulton Park in Waterbury) |
227 |
2,000,000 |
DECD |
Meriden: West Main Street streetscape project |
Specifies that the project is from Cook Avenue to Amtrak railroad tracks |
229 |
6,000,000 |
Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) |
Grants to provide home modifications and assistive technology devices related to aging in place |
Specifies that the grants are for programs providing such services and devices, which may be run by a nonprofit organization under contract with DORS |
230 |
30,000,000 |
DPH |
Grants to community health centers and primary care organizations for renovation, improvement, and expansion of facilities, including land or building acquisition and purchasing equipment; earmarks up to $15 million for member centers affiliated with the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut and $15 million for Community Health Center, Inc. |
Eliminates earmark for Community Health Center, Inc. |
§§ 221-222 — STO Bond Cancellation
The act cancels a $3 million STO bond authorization for DOT's Bureau of Engineering and Highway Operations to reconfigure an existing ramp off of the Merritt Parkway in Westport.
§ 228 — GREEN BANK BONDS
The act increases, from $50 million to $100 million, the amount of bonds the Green Bank may issue that are backed by a special capital reserve fund (SCRF).
SCRF-backed bonds are contingent liabilities of the state; if a SCRF is exhausted, the General Fund automatically replenishes it, regardless of the state spending cap.
§ 231 — ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS SYSTEM AT THE UCONN HEALTH CENTER
The act allows UConn, by a vote of its board of trustees, to revise, delete, or add a particular project or projects in its UConn 2000 infrastructure program to finance the implementation of an electronic medical records system at the UConn Health Center. Any such revisions, deletions, or additions must be (1) within statutorily authorized funding amounts and (2) included in UConn's annual reports to the Finance, Commerce, and Higher Education committees.
The act's provisions supersede existing law on UConn 2000 bond reallocations, which generally authorizes it to revise projects by a vote of the trustees, if the revisions are consistent with the projects' intent, but requires legislation to add or delete a project.
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