After D.C. meeting, Lamont sees path to working with Trump on energy

John Moritz

At least publicly, there aren’t many areas where Gov. Ned Lamont sees eye-to-eye with the new occupant of the White House, President Donald Trump.

The Connecticut Democrat was an early and vocal backer of Trump’s opponent, former President Joe Biden, and he has faulted the current president for both his bombastic mannerisms and his aggressive method of governing, which Lamont recently dubbed “a confusing mess.“

But following meetings in Washington, D.C., last month with two members of Trump’s cabinet, Lamont said he’s found at least one area where his interests and the president’s align: getting more energy from nuclear and natural gas into New England.

“I think their reaction was, ‘We’re looking for places where we can work with you,'” Lamont said in an interview this week. “Maybe we don’t, you know, agree on immigration and Medicaid, but in terms of getting new electric generation into your region, that’s something we should be able to work on together.”

Lamont met separately with the Trump’s Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum while in the nation’s capital in late February for a meeting of the National Governors Association. A spokesman for the governor said each meeting lasted approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

While the meetings generally covered the region’s energy challenges, Lamont said they also waded into specific discussions about federal permitting for state-of-the-art nuclear reactors as well as the future of Constellation Energy’s liquefied natural gas import terminal in Everett, Mass.

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Connecticut, like the rest of New England, gets the majority of its electricity from nuclear and natural gas, with the much of the remainder split between renewable sources such as solar and wind, along with imports from Canada.

The governor’s desire to work with the Trump administration on energy policy has not been spared from early frustrations.

On Monday, officials in Ontario slapped a 25% surcharge on electricity imports into three states, including New York, in response to tariffs that were put in place by the Trump. The next morning, Lamont appeared on Bloomberg complaining about the costs Trump’s trade policies could place on utility bills.

“You put 10% [tariff] on there, that would add about $75 million, you put 20% on there, that’d be $150 million in additional fees paid for by our ratepayers,” Lamont said. “Not a great idea.”

Later in the day Tuesday, Ontario suspended the surcharge.

For now, the Trump administration’s tariffs don’t specifically mention electricity, but they do apply to critical energy resources such as natural gas, crude oil and uranium.

Working with the Trump administration also risks alienating climate and environmental advocates in Connecticut, who have already raised concerns after Lamont made prominent mention of both nuclear and natural gas during his State of the State address in January.

“Right now, he’s really signaling that he’s got a MAGA-like policy agenda when it comes to energy,” said Samantha Dynowski, the Connecticut state director for the Sierra Club.

Natural Gas

Trump promised to dramatically lower the cost of energy, largely by increasing the production of oil and natural gas, Lamont pointed out. But in New England — where there are no mines or wells extracting fossil fuels — the high cost of electricity is driven in part by the need to transport natural gas long distances across pipelines running through multiple states.

Increasing the region’s supply of natural gas, therefore, will require expanding pipelines crossing over from Canada or New York, or constructing new facilities capable of offloading LNG from ships. Either of those options would likely require buy-in from Connecticut’s neighboring states.

In addition to meetings with federal officials, Lamont said he’s also reached out to other governors in the region to discuss ideas, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. In February, Hochul’s administration approved air permits for new compressors that will increase the flow of natural gas through the Iroquois Pipeline, which crosses upstate New York and Connecticut on its way to delivering gas to Long Island and New York City.

“It’s not easy because of 2040 zero-carbon goals,” Lamont said. “But, you know, [Hochul’s] got some energy needs of her own. Let’s say the discussions have to continue.”

Under the Biden administration, Lamont and his counterparts across New York and New England looked to the seas as a way of cutting through the Gordian Knot of the region’s energy challenges. Offshore wind, then in it’s infancy, promised a bountiful and steady supply of energy once connected to the shore.

But higher-than-anticipated costs and a string of canceled projects left the offshore wind industry reeling last year, even before Trump’s victory in November led to promises to halt the construction of new turbines. Wind was mentioned only briefly in Lamont’s talks with administration officials, he said, adding that the response was not encouraging.

“It’s not the President’s favorite energy source, to put it mildly,” Lamont said.

A spokeswoman for the Interior Department, J. Elizabeth Peace, declined to comment specifically on last month’s meeting with Lamont, but she said the Trump administration broadly supports the development of energy infrastructure to serve New England.

“Secretary Burgum has been clear that the Trump administration is committed to cutting red tape and accelerating responsible energy infrastructure development to lower costs for American families,” Peace said in an email. “We cannot afford to let outdated permitting processes and regulatory bottlenecks stand in the way of energy affordability and security.”

The Department of Energy did not respond to a request for comment.

‘New’ Nuclear

Another area where both Lamont and Trump officials have expressed a mutual interest is in the emerging nuclear technology around small modular reactors, or SMRs.

Unlike traditional reactors that can produce upwards of 1,000 megawatts, proposals for SMRs estimate an output of around 300 MW, enough to power tens or even hundreds of thousands of homes. The idea also calls for mostly prefabricated equipment that can be shipped and installed on site, lowering costs.

Wright, Trump’s energy secretary, previously served on the board of a company that is working to develop SMR technology, according to Reuters, and he has expressed interest in offering federal support for the industry.

Currently, Connecticut law prohibits the development of new reactors anywhere other than at the state’s only operating nuclear plant, Millstone Power Station in Waterford.

The plant’s owner, Dominion Energy, recently announced a partnership with Amazon to develop SMR technology for potential use at one of the company’s nuclear power plants in Virginia, where it can supply power to Amazon’s headquarters and data centers in the state.

But Susan Adams, the director of state policy for Dominion, said in an email Tuesday that SMR technology will not likely be ready for widescale deployment until the early 2030s. Even at that point, she said, Dominion will focus on deploying SMRs in states that — unlike Connecticut — have fully-regulated electricity markets that allow generators to recoup their costs from ratepayers.

“Nuclear units, both traditional and small modular reactors, have significant upfront costs and low, stable operating costs,” Adams said. “This is the converse of what a deregulated market typically supports and building advanced nuclear would be difficult in a deregulated market.”

Still, both Democrats and Republicans in the Connecticut legislature have expressed support for expanding nuclear power in the state. One piece of legislation proposed this year, Senate Bill 4, would allow cities and towns to vote on whether they want to allow the construction of new reactors.

Lamont said while he’s not opposed to looking at other areas, the “path of least resistance” would be to go through Millstone, which he said has acres of available space and experience handling nuclear waste.

“We can look at other locations, especially when it comes to smaller, modular nukes that may be co-located with a user,” he said. “But I think in terms of the broad energy needs of our state and region, probably Millstone would be at the top of the list.”

He also acknowledged that costs could complicate the development of new reactors, as evidenced by a recent projects in Georgia and South Carolina that took years and went billions of dollars over budget (and in the latter example, were never completed).

By expediting permitting and approvals, Lamont said the Trump administration could bring down the costs for smaller reactors. Even then, he said he would like to see the technology deployed in other states before committing to building it in Connecticut.

“I’m not sure I want to be the first or second one out there, because I would put you on the bleeding edge,” Lamont said.

DOT removes equity, environmental factors from IIJA funding decisions

Julie Strupp

The U.S. DOT has rolled back a Biden-era policy that included environmental and social considerations in federally funded infrastructure projects, according to a Monday memo from the agency.

The move rescinds two Federal Highway Administration memos, issued in 2021 and 2023, both titled “Policy on Using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Resources to Build a Better America.” 

Former President Joe Biden’s policy advised state and local agencies receiving funds from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to prioritize projects that advance equity and environmental goals. The recission memo states that that policy will have no role in DOT programs going forward. 

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The rescission is the latest effort from the Trump administration to dismantle Biden’s signature policies. Previously, the DOT announced that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had authorized a series of actions to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda to “rescind woke policies” and roll back regulations.

In January for example, the DOT said it would give grant preferences to “communities with marriage and birth rates higher than the national average.”

In the latest announcement, Duffy called the policy to include social and resilience considerations in funding decisions “an act of federal overreach.”

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Transportation is getting back to basics — building critical infrastructure projects that move people and move commerce safely,” Duffy said in the release. 

Under the Biden administration’s now-defunct guidance and the 2023 update of the same name, which have both been removed from the DOT website, the Federal Highway Administration was directed to:

Promote and improve safety for all road users, particularly vulnerable ones.

Support accelerated project delivery and an efficient environmental review process through the One Federal Decision framework.

Make streets and other transportation facilities compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Address environmental impacts like stormwater runoff to greenhouse gas emissions and prioritize infrastructure that is less vulnerable and more resilient to a changing climate.

Accommodate new and emerging technologies like electric vehicle charging stations, renewable energy generation and broadband deployment in transportation rights-of-way.

Reconnect communities and include disadvantaged and under-represented groups in the planning, project selection and design process.

The rescinded memos nonetheless recognize that “States determine which of their projects shall be federally financed by Federal-aid highway formula dollars.”

Massive CT redevelopment to unfold slower than hoped. Federal transportation funding could be issue

Kenneth R. Gosselin

Plans for a prominent downtown corner that envision a new development anchored by a regional bus transit center could unfold far more slowly that city officials had hoped, now that the latest round of a state grant program does not include funds to tear down a vacant, decaying structure on the site.

The city had sought $22.3 million from the state’s Community Investment Fund to demolish the One Talcott Plaza office and parking garage complex between Capital Community College — the former G. Fox & Co. department store — and the burgeoning North Crossing project around Dunkin’ Park, the city’s minor league ballpark.

Instead, at this week’s CIF board meeting, the redevelopment project — estimated to cost $200 million — received a planning grant of $250,000.

“It’s not anti- the Talcott project,”  Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, a Hartford Democrat, who co-chairs the CIF board, said, after the meeting. “I don’t think people thought we were ready for a larger portion yet, so these planning grants are a tried-and-true starting point to get people up-and-running. The demolition and some of that stuff might have been a little fast.”

CIF, which seeks to foster economic development in traditionally underserved communities, approves grants on a competitive basis. This week, 35 projects and programs were approved for funding, totaling $77 million. The projects included $10 million for the redevelopment of the languishing Enfield Square mall.

The next round of grants will be voted on Sept. 30.

“There are no overnight solutions to any of the challenges that we face in the city of Hartford,” Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said. “This project continues to move forward, even if a little slower than initially hoped for.”

The city had hoped to tear down the blighted structure later this year, but that now appears less likely.

The state Department of Economic and Community Development, which administers the CIF program, said, in a statement Tuesday: “One Talcott Plaza is an ambitious redevelopment project that will require careful planning to secure the necessary funding and fully realize the economic development potential of the site.  This is a critical first step in revitalizing this underutilized property.”

Ritter said there also were some concerns about the funding that would come through the state Department of Transportation for the project.

The redevelopment would be structured as a public-private partnership. The site is owned by Hartford-based LAZ Investments, an arm of parking giant LAZ Parking, and Shelbourne Global Solutions LLC, of Brooklyn, N.Y., downtown Hartford’s largest commercial landlord.

About half the overall redevelopment cost — approximately $100 million — is likely to be devoted to the regional bus center. The new transit center is expected to serve 46 municipalities and vastly improve the bus system in the city, heavily relied on by Hartford residents, 40% of whom do not own a car.

The new transit hub is expected to be financed, at least partially, by low-cost loans or grants through the federal government that seek to encourage transit-oriented development.

But federal transportation funding faces an uncertain future in the administration of President Trump who has wanted to tie the funding to policies on masks, vaccines, tolls and immigration enforcement. Half of Connecticut’s funding for transportation comes from the federal government.

Initially, it was expected that LAZ would build the new transit center and lease it to the state. But uncertainty in federal transportation funding could alter those plans, Arulampalam said.

DOT officials on Tuesday said the department is not seeing delays to projects right now.

“However, if there are sustained interruptions in federal approvals, permitting, and funding, it could have an impact and delay essential construction projects and planning activities,” the DOT said in a statement. “With nearly 600 active projects happening across the state, it’s critical that federal transportation funding and approvals go uninterrupted. We are hopeful for continued and stable federal transportation investments as we work to make our state’s infrastructure and transit systems safer for everyone.”

In addition to One Talcott Plaza, at the corner of Market Street and the eastern end of Talcott Street, the redevelopment area also includes a parking lot at the western end of Talcott Street at the corner with Main Street. The bus terminal would be on the Market Street side.

The plans also call for as many as 400 apartments above parking, plus storefront space bordering Main Street.

South Norwalk School construction requires demolition of four buildings

Kalleen Rose Ozanic

NORWALK — The continuing construction at the site of the new South Norwalk School remains on schedule as contractors prepare to demolish four of the properties the city acquired to make way for the project.

The $70 million-plus school is on track to open this fall and welcome pre-kindergarten through third grade students for the first academic year; in subsequent years, it will serve all elementary school students. The Norwalk school project has a maximum 60% reimbursement rate from the state. 

The framing for the school is completed, and “a good portion” of the roofs and some brick veneers are installed, said Alan Lo, the city’s building and facilities manager.

In the interior, crews are installing mechanical elements and putting up sheetrock, Lo said.

In his January state of the city address, Mayor Harry Rilling announced the fall opening for the new school building. That timeline still holds true, Lo said, but with at least 10 separate contractors on site, he said he won’t know until late April whether the work any of the project’s parts could cause a delay in opening the school on time.

Building the new school is much different and more complex than adding an extension to a home, for instance, Lo said.

“We deal with each challenge and work through, and then work on the next one and that’s behind us,” Lo said.

Regardless, Lo said the project is “progressing very well.”

Part of that progress is the demolition of four properties the city acquired to make way for the new building for the South Norwalk School.

In May, Norwalk purchased the 32 Oxford St. site for $1.2 million; 36 Oxford St. for $537,500; and 38 Oxford St. for $532,500. The city bought 28 Oxford St. for $372,000 on Aug. 29, city Assistant Corporation Counsel Darin Callahan said in October.

They are all slated for demolition Tuesday, one by one, according to Patrick O'Loughlin, project manager.

Norwalk sought to acquire two other properties, 16 Meadow St. Ext. and a South Main Rail Corridor, by eminent domain after negotiations with the owners did not lead to a sales agreement, Callahan said.

Lo confirmed that the city now owns the two properties, though not all details are totally “settled.” Norwalk’s public land records show the city of Norwalk has a Dec. 16 certificate of taking with Ceja Properties, LLC, former owner of the rail corridor, and a Dec. 10 certificate with 33 Wilson, LLC, the former owner of 16 Meadow St. Ext.

The records do not show consideration prices. Callahan was not immediately reachable for comment Monday.

Branford to move events with town green, Main Street projects starting in spring

Susan Braden

BRANFORD —  Downtown will be dug up when two big construction projects totaling about $20 million begin sometime in the spring, forcing the Branford Fest and other popular events to find a temporary home.

The projects — reconstructing a long stretch of Main Street and renovating the town green will be done concurrently.

“That is really to supplement the Main Street project where we can really start to revitalize the whole center of town," said Town Engineer John Hoefferle. "And while we have Main Street under construction and really disrupting everything, we might as well do it all at once."

The projects are largely funded by state grants. The $12 million Main Street Reconstruction Project will be funded 100% by a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program grant, town officials said. 

The town was also awarded a $500,000 grant from the Small Town Economic Assistance Program to go towards the estimated $8 million-plus Green Revitalization project. 

Scheduling construction on both projects is dependent on state approvals, Hoefferle said. 

Downtown businesses will be notified in advance about the roadwork during the construction on Main Street and the green, said First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove who added communication is key.

The roadwork project is much needed as Main Street is “at the end of its useful life” and needs a total rebuild, town officials said. The last major rebuild was done about 30 years ago.

Abandoned trolley tracks from the Branford Electric Railway trolley line lie beneath the pavement but sections have resurfaced at parts of the road where it’s buckled by weather and constant traffic, Cosgrove said.

Part of the reconstruction is to remove the tracks.

Utility cuts, age and drainage issues further damaged Main Street. The road now requires “a full-depth” reconstruction from South Main Street (Route 146) to Chestnut Street within the existing roadway, curb to curb, town officials said.

Added to the project are some perks such as upgrades to sidewalks, lighting and  “street furniture” to improve the safety and appearance of the streetscape.

The green project will also be a major undertaking.

Crowd-drawing events, such as the Branford Fest and the Friends of the Blackstone Library Book Sale will be moved off the green, with the fest taking place in Hammer Field on Father’s Day weekend. 

The town green will be closed for about 100 events, including the Jazz Fest and Animal Awareness Day, from the summer throughout the calendar year during its overhaul, when it will be repaired, regraded and “enhanced.” 

The town is looking for alternative venues right now and the Recreation Department is considering using town parks, such as Branford Point beach, for smaller events, including the vintage car show, Way Back Wednesday.

“They're going to mix it up,” Cosgrove said about the temporary locations.

Both Cosgrove and Hoefferle said the green needs an overhaul.
 
“The green has been beat up over the years with all the events,” Hoefferle said. “They do a pretty good job now of rehabilitating it after these events, but it could definitely use some help, some better aeration, some better grading.”

The green construction will include a complete re-grading of the grounds, which are rutted, rebuilding the brick paver sidewalks with pavers set in concrete to prevent tripping hazards and increase durability. Additional paver sidewalks will also be installed to make it safer for pedestrians, according to the town website. 

Improvements will also be made to the crosswalks and granite curbs will be added where needed to prevent vehicles from parking on the grass. Grass will be planted as well and areas will be closed to allow it to fill in.

A rain garden will be incorporated into the green to help with storm run-off and mitigate road pollution from leeching into the groundwater, said Hoefferle. Native and decorative vegetation will be planted. 

Other improvements include repainting streetlamps on the green and retrofitting the existing high-pressure sodium lights to an LED lighting system. 

Cosgrove had stressed the new LED lighting will not look like a super brightly lit “Cumberland Farms parking lot.” 

“With the LED technology, we can really choose the color that we like to see,” Hoefferle said. “They may look a little different than the orangish lamps, but we’re specifying a warmer color than you may see with traditional LED street lights."

For pedestrians who enjoy walking their dogs on the green or hanging out on one of the benches, the general use by the public may be limited by the construction, Hoefferle said.

“The green will be affected by both the Main Street Reconstruction project as well as the Green Revitalization project,” he said. “The sidewalk construction around the Green may impact access when work is being performed, but there will be times where it can be used by the general public.” 

Hoefferle stressed the town is asking the public to be aware of construction activity and “avoid those areas for safety reasons and certainly respect the work area and any closures during construction.”

Cosgrove said many in Branford are proud of the town green and enjoy using it.

“We have this space that is really heavily used by the public for so many great events that kind of run the gamut of concerts to the festival, to the book sale, right here in the central business district of our downtown,” he said. 

Cosgrove added the green draws people to town.

"So then they come back and, visit Branford and shop and dine here," he said. "There's a lot to offer in Branford.”