Press Release from House Republican Office, Connecticut General Assembly

On July 16, State Representative Joe Zullo and State Senator Paul Cicarella hailed the news of a $781,000 grant award to improve pedestrian safety along Messina Drive in East Haven, particularly for seniors at East Farm Village who frequent the Stop & Shop grocery store across the street.

"I'm appreciative of the attention paid to this safety concern in East Haven by [Governor Ned Lamont and Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett T. Eucalitto]. This funding will improve an intersection that's dangerous for pedestrians and motorists alike, modernizing the traffic signal, as well as the walkway that so many residents use to go back and forth to get groceries," said Zullo, who has made fixing the problem a top priority during his service to East Haven's 99th Assembly District. "The competition for state funding is fierce, and I'm proud to have joined members of East Haven's legislative delegation, as well as local officials, to make a strong case to the governor's administration to address this long-time community concern."

The funding is among $12 million in grants announced by Governor Lamont on July 16 to improve transportation accessibility and safety in 17 Connecticut towns and cities. The grants are being awarded through the Department of Transportation's Community Connectivity Grant Program.

Sen. Cicarella, who represents the 34th Senate District, which includes East Haven, joined Zullo at the Capitol in advocating for state financial support to improve the Messina Drive problem.

“I thank [the Connecticut Department of Transportation] for prioritizing East Haven with this funding for Messina Drive. This grant will provide significant improvements for pedestrian safety in this community. Everyone deserves to navigate our streets with peace of mind, and I’m glad our state is helping design our infrastructure to promote safer walkways in Connecticut,” Cicarella said.

Together, Zullo and Cicarella also recognized the efforts of House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora, who represents the 86th District, which includes part of East Haven; and State Senator Christine Cohen, a shoreline legislator who serves as co-chairman of the Transportation Committee.