State of Connecticut

Recovery Plan

State and Local Fiscal Recovery 

Funds

2021 Report

August 31, 2021
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 1

Connecticut

2021 Recovery Plan

Table of Contents

General Overview......................................................................................................................2

Executive Summary.................................................................................................................2

Uses of Funds .........................................................................................................................4

Promoting Equitable Outcomes ...............................................................................................7

Community Engagement .........................................................................................................8

Use of Evidence ......................................................................................................................9

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category.........................................................................11

Project Inventory.....................................................................................................................12

Ineligible Activities: Tax Offset Provision ............................................................................46
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 2

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Executive Summary

Connecticut has made tremendous public health and financial strides and we stand to emerge 

from the pandemic among the best-positioned states in the nation. Connecticut has not needed 

to cut services or raise taxes in order to manage the state budget and the state is projected to 

close the two pandemic-affected fiscal years (FYs 2020 and 2021) with a solid Budget Reserve 

Fund to ensure supplementary funds are available to ensure long term sustainability and the fiscal 

health of the state. The state has used previously authorized federal and state resources to mount 

one of the most comprehensive and effective pandemic responses in the country, including rapidly 

standing up nationally recognized testing, contact tracing, vulnerable resident support, and 

vaccination programs. Connecticut established the model for safely re-opening schools and

closing the digital divide by providing access to devices for every student in the state. Connecticut 

has been nationally recognized for its robust testing program and leading vaccination rate for 

eligible populations. These efforts, along with others, have made parts of the state some of the 

hottest real estate in the country.

Notwithstanding some of these successes, it is not all good news for our state. More than 116,000 

of the residents who lost their job during the pandemic have yet to find new employment 

opportunities. Some of those have left their jobs because there were not adequate or affordable 

childcare options available. Others need a ladder to education opportunities to upskill and greatly 

increase their marketability for the jobs of the 21st century. There are families struggling with 

putting food on the table. Individuals are struggling with the high prices of their insurance premia 

and co-payments, risking their coverage or delaying care to avoid costs. There are children who 

have fallen behind during the move to remote learning. Those small businesses that fuel the 

economy are barely able to keep their doors open and maintain payroll.

In addition, COVID-19 exposed long-standing health disparities among racial and ethnic 

minorities who suffered disproportionately with higher infection and mortality rates.

Consequently, the ARPA funds awarded to Connecticut represent an incredible opportunity for 

this state to make transformative investments in equity, and to emerge healthier and stronger 

from pre-natal care to end of life, and to assist those in most need in this state. Investing in children 

and families early in life leads to better outcomes later in life, making our society even more 

prepared for the next pandemic or other crisis, and better positioning residents of all socioeconomic status to access economic opportunity.

As a result, Governor Lamont developed five key areas for these investments with a focus on 

equity:

1. The first of which is to defeat COVID-19 by maintaining strong testing and vaccination 

programs, supporting a continued supply of PPE, maintaining our nationally leading 

support programs for our most vulnerable residents living in long-term care facilities, and 

supporting public health, because defeating this virus is the only way to ensure the other 

investments will pay dividends.

2. The second is investing in the future with 21st century upgrades and investments in our 

cities/towns, expanding access to high-speed internet, supporting families from the start

with early interventions and services, supporting the recovery of non-profits through the 

pandemic, and addressing the criminal justice impacts of the pandemic.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 3

3. The third key area is creating a more affordable Connecticut through providing enhanced

childcare opportunities for residents, assisting institutions of higher education, providing 

students at our colleges and universities with additional financial aid and scholarship

opportunities, providing resources to better support those struggling with mental health 

issues, and targeting affordable internet and broadband access, as well as home 

remediation, energy efficiency and clean energy retrofits that will improve respiratory 

health and reduce burdensome energy costs for low-income residents.

4. The fourth area of investment is to make the state’s economic growth work for everyone 

by restoring jobs, rebuilding our economy, returning to growth by focusing on workforce

development, small business supports, investing in innovation, communities, and 

sustainable products.

5. The fifth key investment area is the state itself. These resources will enable Connecticut 

to continue state operations and provide resources necessary for state agencies to lead, 

to provide services to consumers and clients and to mitigate and recover from the 

pandemic. These resources will also allow Connecticut to modernize and ease the delivery 

of services, particularly in health and human services, while improving the speed and 

quality with which we can monitor and analyze public health risks. Additionally, these 

federal dollars will allow the state to balance our budget for the upcoming biennium without 

raising taxes or cutting other essential services.

Pursuant to Special Act No. 21-1 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly and signed by 

the Governor on March 31, 2021, the Governor submitted a proposed plan for recommended 

allocations of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Relief Fund (SLFRF) and worked 

collaboratively with the General Assembly to develop a plan to make transformative investments 

in equity and build Connecticut back better. Passed July 2, 2021, Public Act 21-2 of the June 

Special Session (An Act Concerning Provisions Related to Revenue and Other Items to 

Implement the State Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2023) details a list of 109 projects 

representing $2.5 billion of Connecticut’s $2.8 billion award from the Coronavirus SLFRF. It also 

represents the product of a lot of hard work between the legislature and executive to ensure these 

funds boost Connecticut’s economy and its residents. Many of these projects are in their initial 

phase with Office of Policy and Management, State agencies, the General Assembly, and 

grantees working in coordination to scope and ensure compliance with federal guidance.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 4

Uses of Funds

By defeating COVID, investing in our future, creating a more affordable Connecticut, prioritizing

economic growth that works for all, and modernizing state government, we are addressing the 

pandemic and its negative economic consequences head on. Equity is at the core of our 

approach, factoring into each initiative designed to address the public health and negative 

economic impacts of the pandemic, serve disproportionately impacted communities, determine 

premium pay for essential workers, and supplement our state operations through revenue 

replacement.

Public Health (EC 1)

A primary focus of SLFRF in the state has been addressing the substantial public health impact 

that COVID-19 has had on communities and families’ health. Funding for the public health 

expenditure category focuses on helping families recover from the pandemic, whether that 

negative impact was due to a gap in care, an additional need for support services such as 

substance abuse or mental health care, or general recovery from the life-altering effects of 

COVID-19. Addressing the public health impacts consist of maintaining and ensuring for the future 

that there are adequate levels of PPE and supplies for public health emergencies, while also 

creating transformative change for children and families across the state through programs that 

directly support the community. Programs range from smaller scale initiatives that seek to offer 

respite or provide support for health research studies, to larger scale efforts such as bolstering 

children’s mental health supports.

For example, the funding allocation for Respite Care for Family Caregivers will provide short-term 

relief for family caregivers who were taking care of elderly family members or family members 

with a disability through the course of the pandemic. This funding could be used to enhance 

existing respite care services by offering additional resources or expanding hours of operation.

By providing respite care for families with the greatest need, funding can initiate more equitable 

outcomes and have the maximum impact on families who have been stretched thin with caregiver 

duties.

The Community Health Worker program is intended to train community health workers (CHWs) 

across the state to support the families hardest hit by the pandemic. Most CHWs are from the 

communities which they serve; because they know their community best, they are able to work 

closely with families and quickly build trust. CHWs can then connect families and new mothers to 

health and support services and spread awareness of programs that the families may need. In 

the aftermath of COVID-19, many families have had their healthcare disrupted and/or have felt 

isolated from larger communities. CHWs can bridge this gap between families and needed 

services. Integrating this program with the Universal Home Visiting program under the Office of 

Early Childhood will allow for a continuum of care for families whose health has been disrupted 

by the pandemic.

Children’s mental health has been significantly affected due to the pandemic and disruptions in 

schooling, changes of lifestyle, and decreased social interaction with peers. Funding allocated for 

mental health initiatives for children are focused on providing additional support services and 

continue to be refined by an interagency workgroup being led by the Department of Children and 

Families (DCF). DCF will also work closely with the State Department of Education to integrate 

urgent care centers with school-based programs for the most effective outcomes.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 5

Negative Economic Impacts (EC 2)

A second focus of the state’s SLFRF-funded efforts have been to support those negatively 

impacted economically by the pandemic. Broadly speaking, these efforts fall into three 

categories: (1) broad-based assistance for individuals and families who have felt particular 

economic harm; (2) targeted aid to revitalize the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries; and (3) 

workforce development and job training programming.

First, the General Assembly has authorized a number of programs intended to provide direct 

support for individuals and families who have suffered economically from the pandemic. A 

significant amount of funding was authorized to replenish the state’s Unemployment Trust Fund, 

against which the state was forced to borrow significant sums during the worst of the pandemic 

to cover the sudden tidal wave of unemployment claims. Additional funding was authorized for 

the Department of Labor to administer and operate unemployment benefits, helping to maintain 

consumer access to timely responses from agency personnel. Finally, direct benefit programs 

include several food assistance initiatives administered by the state Department of Agriculture, 

ranging from vouchers for seniors and for use at farmers’ markets, to support for food pantries 

and food banks.

Second, the General Assembly approved the Governor’s request for statewide support of the 

travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, which have been particularly hard-hit by COVID-19.

Funds from various sources were authorized to support statewide marketing efforts; SLFRF funds 

will be targeted to new tourism branding as well as seasonal tourism promotions which will draw 

visitors and revitalize sales and employment within the sector. In addition, funding was approved 

to provide free access to 102 museums for children and one accompanying adult throughout the 

state in an effort both to support museums which lost revenue and to provide educational 

stimulation and reverse learning loss for children. Finally, a number of individual venues and 

attractions were authorized to receive direct grants, and those projects are currently being scoped 

in coordination with the grantees and the General Assembly to ensure compliance with federal 

regulations.

Finally, significant funding was approved for the creation of new workforce development and job 

training initiatives, as well as support and coordination for existing programs. The Office of 

Workforce Strategy, housed within the Office of the Governor, is rolling out CareerConneCT, a 

comprehensive program which consists in large part (which part would be supported by SLFRF) 

of job training programs aimed at getting unemployed individuals or individuals significantly 

impacted by the pandemic back to work in high-quality career pathways, particularly in areas such 

as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, clean energy, and construction.

The intended outcome will be to train and place between 5,500 and 7,000 students and job 

seekers to enter employment in careers including, but not limited to, those sectors. Individual notfor-profit organizations supporting job training were also authorized to receive funding.

Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC 3)

With equity at its core, services to disproportionately impacted communities are another primary 

focus of our strategy for SLFRF dollars.

The pandemic has been a particularly challenging experience for families with young children. 

Children have missed out on key early-learning opportunities and milestones, while parents have, 

in many cases, suffered income loss and been forced to grapple with a de-stabilized childcare 

system and the transition to remote-learning. As a response, Connecticut has made substantial 

investments in childcare and education through CSFRF funds.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 6

First, CSFRF have been dedicated to covering parent fees for income-eligible families of 3- and 

4-year-olds in state-funded childcare centers for the Summer of 2021. Second, CSFRF funds will 

be provided to support parent fees in the Care4Kids subsidized childcare system until the 

allocation for this period has been exhausted. This will provide economic relief and educational 

opportunity to thousands of children and parents in low to moderate-income households, bolster 

the provision of healthy early childhood environments in disproportionately low- to moderateincome communities, support kindergarten readiness, and bolster learning recovery efforts, 

among some of our neediest, most impacted populations and communities. Additionally, this will 

help parents to recover from COVID-19 related income loss, provide support to parents reentering the workforce and allow parents to re-invest their savings into their highly-impacted

families and communities.

Giving birth during the pandemic has been an exceptionally challenging experience. Currently, 

more than 1 in 3 women have perinatal depression, compared to less than 1 in 5 (15-20%) prior 

to the pandemic. To support these women, Connecticut is introducing universal home visiting in 

certain areas of the state that suffered disproportionate impact, stress and child trauma during 

the pandemic. Universal home visiting program will be piloted through Family Connects, an 

evidence-based home visiting model that pairs new mothers with registered nurses to provide up 

to 3 home visits for needs assessments and knowledge sharing. Nurses will also help families 

gain access to critical community programs and resources to support. Home visiting has been 

shown to improve mental and physical health outcomes and prevent child maltreatment, resulting 

in a 50% reduction of emergency medical care use (years 0-1) and a 28% reduction in mothers’ 

clinical anxiety.

To build public health resilience in communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, 

Connecticut is investing in Community Health Workers (CHWs). CHWs serve as trusted providers 

to the highest risk families and children in our most impoverished cities. Community health 

workers work to improve patient experience, care coordination, and clinical outcomes with the 

public health and social services systems. These services will be provided to families and their 

children who have experienced 3 or more adverse childhood experiences. Research has clearly 

found that more investment into early intervention leads to fewer emergency department visits 

and better preventative care practices, leading to better health and economic outcomes for 

families and delivering care more effectively for the state.

Lower-income and minority workers have suffered disproportionately from the effects of the 

pandemic. As a matter of equity, the state is initiating a program to provide legal representation 

to tenants facing eviction thus supporting residents hit hardest by income disruption to help them 

better navigate the foreclosure process and help them stay in their homes. This represents just 

one aspect of a comprehensive approach to housing utilizing SLFRF dollars which includes

reducing energy costs to homeowners facing hardship through remediation of barriers to 

weatherizing homes and funding energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing. Energy 

affordability is one of the leading causes of homelessness in the United States and Connecticut 

residents spend the second highest amount on annual energy bills in the nation at an average of 

$3,600. Layering these efforts on top of the UniteCT program—a program that provides up to 

$15,000 in rental and up to $1,500 electricity payment assistance on behalf of households 

financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Connecticut’s rental housing market will be 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 7

stabilized and the state will have created a comprehensive set of supports for residents facing 

housing hardship.

Premium Pay (EC 4)

The state has mounted one of the most comprehensive and effective pandemic responses in the 

country, including rapidly standing up nationally recognized testing, contact tracing, vulnerable 

resident support and vaccination programs. Connecticut’s COVID-19 response has been nationleading, in no small part due to the incredible work of front-line state employees and National 

Guard members who risked their wellbeing to serve their communities. In recognition of this 

essential service, Connecticut is investing $20 million in premium pay for front line state 

employees and members of the National Guard. This funding will provide financial support for 

their exceptional service which saved lives and contributed to our nation-leading response and 

recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revenue Replacement (EC 6)

The COVID-19 public health emergency has created a significant economic shock, impacting 

revenues for state and local governments. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 acknowledges 

that state and local governments have suffered deep revenue losses and enables use of funds to 

ensure that important government services can be maintained. The State of Connecticut has 

allocated $1.75 billion in federal pandemic aid to be used to support budget balance: $559.9

million in FY 2022 and $1,194.9 million in FY 2023.

Promoting equitable outcomes

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on Connecticut’s most vulnerable 

residents. Minorities and, in particular, women of color, who are more likely to hold high-risk, 

essential positions, have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. It is our collective responsibility 

to address these challenges through an equity-focused lens.

Thus, every initiative has been designed with equity at its core, directed at and prioritizing those 

who suffered most due to the pandemic. Across policy areas, access to transformative 

programming is focused on supporting our most vulnerable populations. More importantly, ease 

of access has been prioritized for rapid deployment and adoption. While different programs have 

been established to support their respective populations, which have been disproportionately 

impacted by the pandemic, qualifying households/individuals will receive equal levels of support, 

consistent with the state’s ambitions to offer equitable services to all. Connecticut will, or already 

has, implemented various communication channels to inform residents of the planned 

programming and intends to provide wraparound administrative support wherever possible. 

Programs like Universal Home Visiting and Community Health Workers for Families will transform 

access to supports and services for families and their young children.

In the “Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC-3)” subsection under the “Use 

of Funds” section, readers will see a multitude of intended outcomes. Some programs target 

specific populations, whereas others aspire to become a universal service. However, even where 

universality is a primary goal, like universal home visiting, subject matter experts have identified 

higher uptake rates of those invaluable services by families and individuals most in need. In effect, 

the state’s core desire is to support those residents who have been disproportionately impacted 

or suffered economic harm because of the pandemic, ranging from traditionally marginalized 

populations to postpartum mothers.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 8

Data will be collected by each program’s respective owner agency. All state agencies have robust 

data collection systems and processes and will prioritize data, which highlight (1) the effectiveness 

of the program and (2) the accuracy of the program in reaching its intended population. Data will 

be disaggregated at the demographic and socioeconomic levels, where feasible and legally 

permissible.

With these additional resources, the state has the ability to invest in people and projects 

simultaneously. In the near term, continued assistance to our residents who are struggling will be 

offered. The state will provide support for providers who have been on the front lines of combatting 

this pandemic. It will allow for maintaining the programs that are helping the food insecure. There 

will be aid for those struggling with housing costs and keeping the lights on. What Governor 

Lamont has proposed is a comprehensive investment program aimed at equity and lifting up the 

communities in our state who not only were most adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic 

in 2020 and 2021 but have historically faced inequities in the areas of health, opportunity, and 

education.

Community Engagement

To develop a plan for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funding, we have gone through a robust, 

democratic process of debate, negotiation, and collaboration between the Governor and the 

General Assembly of Connecticut beginning on April 26th , 2021, when Governor Lamont released 

Connecticut’s Plan for the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: A Roadmap for a Transformative, 

Equitable and Healthy Recovery for our State. This plan represented the work of a robust set of 

interagency processes to develop a transformative plan for a stronger, post-pandemic 

Connecticut and the beginning of months of democratic engagement over the final allocation of

these ARPA dollars. This process of public, democratic debate culminated in the passage of 

Public Act 21-2 of the June Special Session, An Act Concerning Provisions Related to Revenue 

and Other Items to Implement the State Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2023 detailing 

109 initiatives designed to build Connecticut back better.

Building on this approach, we are investing in programs with deep community ties and proven 

track records of success. Programs like Hands on Hartford, an agency founded in 1969 by 

members of 8 congregations in the community to serve Hartford’s most economically challenged 

residents in the areas of food, housing, and health. Volunteer-driven, Hands on Hartford founded 

Connecticut’s first supportive housing program for people living with AIDS. It has also founded 

Hartford’s only group home for adults with mental illness, its first soup kitchen, its only fuel 

assistance program for the working poor, its only weekend senior nutrition program, and a 

comprehensive after-school tutoring and arts education program for elementary school aged 

children. For over 50 years, Hands on Hartford has served its community becoming a cornerstone 

and an exemplar of the type of community oriented and driven organization that our plan supports.

We are also designing collaboration and community engagement into our initiatives. For example,

our workforce development project will require that the state’s nine Regional Workforce 

Development Boards to collaborate with regional training providers and companies to inform the 

design of each application submitted. Our statewide marketing campaign is being driven by a 

series of community surveys and engagement with nonprofits and for-profit travel and tourism 

partners throughout the state. (https://www.ctvisit.com/press-releases/new-program-providesconnecticut%E2%80%99s-tourism-industry-research-based-insights-business) Additionally, 

through our implementation of the Summer Experience at Connecticut’s Top Venues, the 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 9

Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has regularly interfaced with the 

largest five museums, and have had one meeting with the other program participants in 

conjunction with CT Humanities and the CT League of History Organizations, and will be hosting 

at least one additional virtual meeting after the program closes. Via the CTVisit website (official 

State Tourism website) various DECD staff have had email and phone call conversations with 

visitors who are using the program. Their feedback has enabled DECD to troubleshoot potential 

problems to find solutions.

To build greater health capacity within communities most impacted by health disparities, we are 

investing in organizations with deep roots in those communities like Fair Haven Clinic and CornellScott Hill Health Center, Federally Qualified Health Centers that strive to improve the health and 

social health of the communities they serve while being accountable and governed by those 

communities. These are indispensable institutions that provide access to a wide range of health 

services regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. We are also investing in Community Health 

workers, trusted community health professionals who work to improve patient experience, care 

coordination, and clinical outcomes with the public health and social services systems. This 

investment stems from the widely recognized importance of trust between a community and the 

health providers within that community which is so essential to building healthier and more 

resilient communities.

Use of Evidence

As indicated in the Project Inventory, the state is still in the process of identifying the scope of 

certain projects and determining compliance with federal regulations. Consequently, an approach 

to building evidence and the development of a Learning Agenda across projects has not yet begun 

in full. However, we anticipate the use of evidence and evaluation to proceed along the following 

lines and to leverage related state efforts to support the use of data, analysis and evaluation.

The evidence-building strategy will include three components: 1) prioritizing investments for 

evidence-building, 2) supporting the allocation of resources for evaluation and data analysis and 

3) communicating and connecting projects with existing state efforts to coordinate and leverage 

capacity.

Prioritization for an evidence-building strategy and, potentially, a learning agenda, is anticipated 

to closely follow the five priority areas identified by Governor Lamont and referenced in the 

Executive Summary:

1) Defeating COVID-19

2) Investing in the future with 21st century upgrades and investments

3) Creating a more affordable Connecticut

4) Make economic growth work for everyone

5) Resources to enable Connecticut to modernize and ease the delivery of services

In each of these five areas, core projects can be identified that have the potential to generate 

high-quality evidence during the course of SLFRF funding support. These projects are anticipated 

to devote resources to monitoring and evaluation activities, including the development of impact 

evaluations for select projects. Prioritization is necessary to allocate limited resources efficiently 

– despite the resources available, we cannot ‘evaluate everything.’

The identification of projects for evidence-building and impact evaluation can be based on a 

combination of factors: 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 10

1) The alignment between the project and the five areas identified by Governor Lamont, to 

ensure that investments in evidence-building align with the priorities in the SLFRF 

investments as a whole

2) The scale or magnitude of the project, with the anticipation that projects with greater reach 

are a more likely focus for rigorous program evaluation, including consideration of the 

capability of the host agency

3) The existing evidence base for the program, to ensure that the methods required for 

rigorous program evaluation are appropriate and that any evaluation can generate new 

knowledge and insights

4) The potential for robust community engagement, to use those insights to inform the 

evidence-building strategy with both qualitative and quantitative data (‘mixed methods’), 

identified as a capacity gap in Connecticut’s State Data Plan

A sample of projects that are a likely focus for rigorous evaluation includes: 

1) Defeating COVID-19: Systematically studying the link between COVID-19 and obesity, 

which increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and also disproportionately 

impacts some racial and ethnic minority groups, to improve government-operated nutrition 

and health programs.

2) Investing in the future: Several project focus on tutoring, and high-dosage tutoring (HDT) 

is among the best and most cost-effective interventions rigorously evaluated for 

accelerating student learning. Research has found that intensive models of tutoring, when 

implemented with fidelity, can produce learning gains for students as high as one to two 

years in math beyond what they typically learn in the classroom and reductions in failure 

rates by more than 50 percent. Given the extensive impact that COVID-19 had on student 

learning, expanding HDT programs is an effective strategy for addressing learning loss 

and ensuring that thousands of students have the academic support they need to thrive in 

the upcoming school year. 

3) Creating a more affordable Connecticut: Financial aid and student supports have been 

studied in multiple jurisdictions. The expansion of Guided Pathways and need-based 

scholarships in Connecticut to disproportionately impacted populations is an opportunity 

to generate new evidence about these interventions and their impact on academic and 

career success. 

4) Make economic growth work for everyone: The CareerConneCT project will consist of job 

training programs aimed at getting unemployed individuals or individuals significantly 

impacted by the pandemic back to work in high-quality career pathways, particularly in 

areas such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information techonology, clean 

energy, and construction, with intended outcomes to train and place between 5,500 and 

7,000 students and job seekers to enter employment in careers including, but not limited 

to, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, clean energy, and construction. The 

evaluation framework is planned to use a quasi-experimental analysis that will be focused 

on, among other things, wage gains, educational attainment, and decreased reliance on 

state services. 

5) Resources to enable Connecticut to modernize and ease the delivery of services: 

Evidence demonstrates that Community Health Centers, Federally Qualified Health 

Centers (FQHCs), and FQHC look-alikes reduce inpatient and emergency department 

utilization for the Medicaid and underserved populations. Because FQHCs primarily serve 

low-income and minority populations, they also help increase health education for 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 11

uninsured patients and provide access to critical health screenings. More evidence-based 

context can be found here.

As projects develop, OPM plans to communicate the focus on evidence-building to agencies and 

project implementation teams to ensure awareness that evaluation and data analysis are 

allowable expenses and that recipients may use resources to “build their internal capacity to 

successfully implement economic relief programs, with investments in data analysis, targeted 

outreach, technology infrastructure, and impact evaluations.”

The evidence-building strategy is also envisioned to leverage work underway to enhance state 

data and analytical capacity. Projects will be encouraged to work with and make use of these 

resources, including: 

1) The state longitudinal data system (P20 WIN), as a potential backbone for integrating data 

across agency systems. The P20 WIN research agenda includes focus on college and 

career readiness, student readiness, financial aid, workforce training programs and 

barriers to success, all of which are areas for substantial investment in Connecticut’s 

SLFRF Recovery Plan. For example, the research on workforce training programs 

incorporates the same quasi-experimental framework under consideration for the 

CareerConneCT program described above.

2) The state open data portal (data.ct.gov) which posts data from agencies, including 

program enrollment and outcomes and houses existing dashboards on the impact of 

COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery. The use of the open data portal in SLFRF 

planning efforts has already begun, with posting of maps, data and documentation on 

Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs) for the development of project plans and determination 

of eligibility.

Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management has a history of supporting transparency, data 

analysis and performance monitoring through multiple avenues and anticipates leveraging those 

existing resources in the evidence-building process as the SLFRF plan implementation moves 

forward.

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category

While we have made substantial progress in developing a strategic and transformative vision, the 

State of Connecticut did not have any obligations or expenditures within the time period covered 

by this report: (i.e., through July 31, 2021).

Project Inventory

Project 1: Enhanced Student Retention at Community Colleges

Funding amount: $19,500,000

Project Expenditure Category: Education Assistance: Academic Services, 3.3

This project represents a total allocation of $19.5 million ($6.5 million per year for FY 2022, FY 

2023, and FY 2024) to support the piloting of Guided Pathways in the Connecticut Community 

College system while an influx of resources is being invested in the community colleges to support 

broader workforce development, upskilling and expanded degrees and certification programs. 

The Guided Pathways advising model involves significantly lowering the student-to-advisor ratio 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 12

at community colleges to ensure that college students have the necessary support to identify their 

academic goals and remove barriers to achieving them. This will benefit students pursuing higher 

education with the goal of stable employment after the pandemic, as well as community colleges 

whose enrollment decline during the pandemic has caused revenue volatility. The Connecticut 

Community College system office is further evaluating the most effective ways to target resources 

from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund to hire advising staff that will support students in 

communities that were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Program Website: CSCU - Guided Pathways (ct.edu)

Project 2: Higher Education - CSCU

Funding amount: $15,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 6.1 Provision of Government Services

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 3: Senior Food Vouchers

Funding amount: $200,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.1 Household Assistance: Food Programs

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations. This 

project will allocate a total of $200,000 ($100,000 each for FY 2022 and 2023) for the Farmer’s 

Market Nutrition Program to increase Senior Food Vouchers. The Farmer’s Market Program is a 

food program administered by the Department of Agriculture. It provides food vouchers to lowincome families. The vouchers are used to buy fresh produce from local grown farms. This funding 

will provide additional vouchers that will be distributed to lower income seniors already receiving 

assistance. The additional vouchers will help offset the negative economic impacts caused by the 

pandemic resulting in food insecurities.

Project 4: Farmer’s Market Nutrition

Funding amount: $200,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.1 Household Assistance: Food Programs

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations. This 

project will allocate a total of $200,000 ($100,000 each for FY 2022 and 2023) for the Farmer’s 

Market Nutrition Program to increase WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Vouchers. The 

Farmer’s Market Program is a food program administered by the state Department of Agriculture. 

It provides food vouchers to low-income families. The vouchers are used to buy fresh produce 

from local grown farms. The funding will provide additional vouchers that will be distributed to 

lower income families already receiving assistance. The additional vouchers will help offset the 

negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic resulting in food insecurities.

Project 5: Farm-to-School Grant

Funding amount: $500,000
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 13

Project Expenditure Category: 3.5 Education Assistance: Other

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations. This 

project will allocate a total of $500,000 ($250,000 each for FY 2022 and 2023) for a Farm-toSchool Grant Program. This program will provide fresh nutritional food to schools directly from 

local grown farms, as well as educate students on healthy eating. The program will be 

administered by the Department of Agriculture and be targeted towards schools-of-need.

Project 6: Food Insecurity Grants to Food Pantries and Food Banks

Funding amount: $1,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.1 Household Assistance: Food Programs

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations. This 

project will allocate a total of $1 million in FY 2022 for grants to food pantries and food banks to 

address food insecurity. Families have experienced loss of employment, due to the pandemic, 

resulting in negative economic impacts and food insecurities. Many of these families have become 

reliant on food pantries and food banks to feed their families. This will provide funding to increase 

inventory in food pantries and food banks experiencing shortages.

Project 7: Respite Care for Family Caregivers

Funding amount: $3,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.12 Other Public Health Services

This funding will provide respite care that will offer short-term relief for family caregivers who have 

been caring for older adults or close family members with a disability. The Department of 

Developmental Services (DDS) will work closely with the Department of Aging and Disability 

Services (ADS) to provide this care for the families with the greatest need. Supports may include 

respite overnight facilities, family support grants, adult day services and outreach. This respite 

care program is not necessarily evidence-based, but rather will be a way to provide funding to 

enhance and support existing respite care programs. 

Project 8: Beardsley Zoo

Funding amount: $492,242

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management, in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development, is in the process of engaging with the Beardsley Zoo to ensure funding 

from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The anticipated allocation to the zoo 

is $492,242 ($246,121 in each of FY 2022 and FY 2023). The Beardsley Zoo is a nonprofit zoo 

in Bridgeport where there are animals, graphics and zoo programs for visitors. The following 

methods for operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered, based on

profit and loss statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial 

information necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 14

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 9: Amistad

Funding amount: $400,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 10: Maritime Center Authority

Funding amount: $392,590

Project Expenditure Category: 2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 11: Mystic Aquarium

Funding amount: $355,206

Project Expenditure Category: 2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of engaging with the named entity Mystic Aquarium

to ensure funding from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The following 

methods for operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered based on 

profit and loss statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial 

information necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 12: Music Haven

Funding amount: $200,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of engaging with the named entity to ensure funding 

from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The following methods for 

operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered based on profit and loss 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 15

statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial information 

necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 13: Norwalk Symphony

Funding amount: $100,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of engaging with the named entity to ensure funding 

from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The following methods for 

operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered based on profit and loss 

statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial information 

necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 14: Riverfront Recapture

Funding amount: $500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations. The 

following methods for operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered to 

comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 16

• Particularly relevant to this entity, improving outdoor spaces as a response to the public 

health emergency and/or its negative economic impacts.

Project 15: Connecticut Main Street Center

Funding amount: $700,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of engaging with the named entity to ensure funding 

from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The following methods for 

operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered based on profit and loss 

statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial information 

necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs;

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19; and

• Improving outdoor spaces as a response to the public health emergency and/or its 

negative economic impacts.

Project 16: Middletown Downtown Business District

Funding amount: $700,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.9 Small Business Economic Assistance (General)

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of engaging with the named entity to ensure funding 

from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The following methods for 

operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered based on profit and loss 

statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial information 

necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs;

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19; and

• Improving outdoor spaces as a response to the public health emergency and/or its 

negative economic impacts.

Project 17: CRDA Economic Support for Venues

Funding amount: $7,500,000
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 17

Project Expenditure Category: 2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

The Capital Region Development Authority is a public corporation which oversees several 

regional revenues in the Hartford area. This project will address the economic impact that COVID19has had upon those venues, including revenue loss from closures and cancellations. The Office 

of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and to ensure 

compliance with federal regulations.

Project 18: Working Cities Challenge

Funding amount: $2,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.13 Social Determinants of Health: Other

The Working Cities Challenge is a grant competition operated by the Federal Reserve Bank of 

Boston to advance collaborative leadership in smaller, postindustrial cities to transform the lives 

of their low-income residents. The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of 

coordinating with municipalities and the General Assembly to scope the project and ensure 

compliance with federal regulations.

Project 19: Charter Oak Temple Restoration Association

Funding amount: $200,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management and relevant state agencies are in the process of engaging 

with the named entity to ensure funding from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. 

The following methods for operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered 

in order to comply with the federal regulations. 

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 20: West Haven Veterans Museum

Funding amount: $50,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of engaging with the named entity to ensure funding 

from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The following methods for 

operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered based on profit and loss 

statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial information 

necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 18

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 21: VFW Rocky Hill

Funding amount: $30,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of engaging with the named entity to ensure funding 

from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The following methods for 

operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered based on profit and loss 

statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial information 

necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs;

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19; and

• Improving outdoor spaces as a response to the public health emergency and/or its 

negative economic impacts.

Project 22: Playhouse on Park

Funding amount: $30,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of engaging with the named entity to ensure funding 

from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The following methods for 

operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered based on profit and loss 

statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial information 

necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 19

Project 23: Family Justice Center

Funding amount: $100,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations / 3.13 Social Determinants of 

Health: Other

The Office of Policy and Management and the Department of Economic and Community 

Development are working with the Department of Social Services to engage the named entity to 

ensure funding from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations.

The primary method for operationalizing the funding with the named entity is through addressing 

disparities in economic outcomes from the public health emergency through addressing 

educational disparities exacerbated by COVID-19, including: early learning services, increasing 

resources for high-poverty school districts, educational services like tutoring or afterschool 

programs, and supports for students’ social, emotional, and mental health needs;

Additionally, the following methods for operationalizing the funding with the named entity are

being considered based on profit and loss statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred 

expenses, or other financial information necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning needs 

that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 24: East Hartford Little League

Funding amount: $50,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.9 Healthy Childhood Environments: Other

The Office of Policy and Management and the Department of Economic and Community 

Development are in the process of working with the State Department of Education to engage 

with the named entity to ensure funding from CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations.

The following methods for operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered 

based on profit and loss statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or 

other financial information necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs;

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning needs 

that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19; and

• Additionally, these services automatically qualify as eligible uses when provided in 

Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs), low-income areas designated by HUD; to families in 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 20

QCTs; or by Tribal governments. Outside of these areas, recipient governments can also 

identify and serve households, populations, and geographic areas disproportionately 

impacted by the pandemic. Services under this category could include:

o Programs or services that address or mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 public 

health emergency on education, childhood health and welfare, including:

 Summer education and enrichment programs in these communities, which 

include many communities currently struggling with high levels of violence;

 Programs that address learning loss and keep students productively 

engaged; 

 Enhanced services for foster youths and home visiting programs; and 

 Summer camps and recreation.

Project 25: Hartford YMCA

Funding amount: $1,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of engaging with the named entity to ensure funding 

from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The following methods for 

operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered based on profit and loss 

statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial information 

necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs; 

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and 

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

• Additionally, these services automatically qualify as eligible uses when provided in 

Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs), low-income areas designated by HUD; to families in 

QCTs; or by Tribal governments. Outside of these areas, recipient governments can also 

identify and serve households, populations, and geographic areas disproportionately 

impacted by the pandemic. Services under this category could include:

o Programs or services that address or mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 public 

health emergency on education, childhood health and welfare, including: 

 Summer education and enrichment programs in these communities, which 

include many communities currently struggling with high levels of 

violence;.

 Programs that address learning loss and keep students productively 

engaged; 

 Enhanced services for foster youths and home visiting programs; and 

 Summer camps and recreation.

Project 26: ESF/Dream Camp of Hartford

Funding amount: $100,000
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 21

Project Expenditure Category: 3.9 Healthy Childhood Environments: Other

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of engaging with the named entity to ensure funding 

from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The following methods for 

operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered based on profit and loss 

statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial information 

necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs; 

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and 

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

• Additionally, these services automatically qualify as eligible uses when provided in 

Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs), low-income areas designated by HUD; to families in 

QCTs; or by Tribal governments. Outside of these areas, recipient governments can also 

identify and serve households, populations, and geographic areas disproportionately 

impacted by the pandemic. Services under this category could include: 

o Programs or services that address or mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 public

health emergency on education, childhood health and welfare, including: 

 Summer education and enrichment programs in these communities, which 

include many communities currently struggling with high levels of violence;

 Programs that address learning loss and keep students productively 

engaged; 

 Enhanced services for foster youths and home visiting programs; and 

 Summer camps and recreation.

Project 27: Beta Iota Boule Foundation – Youth Services

Funding amount: $100,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations / 3.9 Healthy Childhood 

Environments: Other

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 28: Legacy Foundation for Health and Disparities

Funding amount: $100,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations / 3.9 Healthy Childhood 

Environments: Other

The Office of Policy and Management and Department of Economic and Community 

Development are in the process of engaging with the State Department of Education and 

Department of Public Health to engage with the named entity to ensure funding from CSFRF is in 

compliance with federal regulations.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 22

The following methods for operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered 

based on profit and loss statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or 

other financial information necessary to comply with the federal regulations. 

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs; 

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing

programs; and 

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning needs 

that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

• Additionally, these services automatically qualify as eligible uses when provided in

Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs), low-income areas designated by HUD; to families in 

QCTs; or by Tribal governments. Outside of these areas, recipient governments can also 

identify and serve households, populations, and geographic areas disproportionately 

impacted by the pandemic. Services under this category could include: 

o Programs or services that address or mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 public 

health emergency on education, childhood health and welfare, including: 

 Summer education and enrichment programs in these communities, which 

include many communities currently struggling with high levels of violence;

 Programs that address learning loss and keep students productively 

engaged; 

 Enhanced services for foster youths and home visiting programs; and 

 Summer camps and recreation.

Project 29: Connecticut Center for Advanced Technologies

Funding amount: $1,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.9 Small Business Economic Assistance (General)

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of engaging with the named entity to ensure funding 

from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The following methods for 

operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered based on profit and loss 

statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial information 

necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs; 

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and 

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 30: Middlesex YMCA

Funding amount: $100,000
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 23

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations / 3.9 Healthy Childhood 

Environments: Other

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of engaging with the named entity to ensure funding 

from the CSFRF is in compliance with federal regulations. The following methods for 

operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered based on profit and loss 

statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or other financial information 

necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 31: Shatterproof

Funding amount: $100,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.11 Substance Use Services / 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of working with the Department of Mental Health and 

Addiction Services to engage the named entity to ensure funding from the CSFRF is in compliance 

with federal regulations. The following methods for operationalizing the funding with the named 

entity are being considered based on profit and loss statements for the eligible period, statement 

of incurred expenses, or other financial information necessary to comply with the federal 

regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 32: Summer Experience at Connecticut’s Top Venues

Funding amount: $15,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations 2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or 

Hospitality [and/or 3.5 Other Education Assistance]

On April 30, 2021, Governor Ned Lamont proposed the launch of an initiative that would allow 

Connecticut children (18 and under) plus one accompanying Connecticut adult to visit museums 

throughout the state free of charge from July 1 to September 6, 2021. One hundred and two (102) 

funded and non-funded museums are participating, including the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, 

Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport, the CT Science Center in Hartford, and the Beardsley Zoo in 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 24

Bridgeport. The project is being delivered by a partnership between the Connecticut Office of the 

Arts within the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD, the lead state 

agency), the State Tourism Department, CT Humanities, and the State Department of Education. 

Funded museum partners number 53. A complete list of all museum partners may be found here: 

https://www.ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-summer-museum-free-admission-kids. Applications 

to the program were received in June. Funding for the program covers the period of July 1 through 

September 6, 2021. The funding period is July 1 through December 30, 2021. Project outcomes

include the following: to provide enrichment activities for CT kids and families to prepare them 

for a successful return to the classroom post-pandemic; to support family learning in informal 

educational situations; to reduce the barriers to entry to museums for low-income and nontraditional visitors; to provide funding to assist non-profit museums to recover from the financial 

effects of the pandemic by encouraging visitation. All participants (whether funded or unfunded) 

will be required to complete a final report consisting of data collection including number of visitors 

to the museums during the time period; visitor demographics, collateral effects of the program 

(such as gift shop sales, café/restaurant sales, purchase of “add-on’s”, etc.); and comparison of 

visitation data from 2019 to 2020 and 2021. These reports will be collected and finalized by 

January 2022. DECD also plans to collaborate with the state Department of Education to collect 

further information from teachers regarding participation in the program and student readiness in 

the classroom, but we do not have a firm timeline or project plan for that data collection. With 

respect to community engagement, DECD has regularly interfaced with the largest five museums 

(enumerated above), have had one meeting with the other program participants in conjunction 

with CT Humanities and the CT League of History Organizations, and will be hosting at least one 

additional virtual meeting after the program closes. Via the CTVisit website (official State Tourism

website) various DECD staff have had email and phone call conversations with visitors who are 

using the program. Their feedback has enabled us to troubleshoot potential problems to find 

solutions.

Project 33: Statewide Marketing

Funding Amount: $7,107,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

The state’s Strategic Marketing Plan, which draws on several sources of funding, encompasses 

three initiatives: (1) new year-round and season tourism campaigns; (2) programming to attract 

and retaining part- and full-time residents; and (3) promotion of the state’s improved climate for 

business formation and growth. ARP funds will support the first initiative, designed as a response 

to the economic harm to the travel/tourism industry dealt by COVID. New tourism campaigns will 

begin to be rolled out in Fall 2021; market research, content development, and web design will 

occur in Fall / Winter 2021; and further marketing campaigns will launch Winter and Spring 2022. 

Intended outcomes include growth in quarterly and year-over-year sales supported by traveler 

spending (e.g., within the hospitality industry, at major venues, etc.); and growth in employment 

within travel/hospitality sector. Interim data will include evaluations of data from consumer 

surveys related to brand awareness; engagement on social media; unique visits to CTVisit.com 

portal and click-through’s to businesses linked on site; visits to arts, cultural, and recreational 

attractions; and the number of large-scale conventions and events booked in-state. With respect 

to community engagement, DECD Office of Tourism has conducted consumer surveys, including 

one in March 2021 related to post-Covid travel (https://www.ctvisit.com/press-releases/newprogram-provides-connecticut%E2%80%99s-tourism-industry-research-based-insights-
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 25

business); DECD plans to conduct similar surveys, and also is in regular contact with non-forprofit and for-profit travel and tourism partners throughout the state. The main website for the 

state’s tourism office is http://CTvisit.com.

Project 34: Governor’s Workforce Initiatives (aka CareerConneCT)

Funding Amount: $70,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.7 Job Training Assistance

CareerConneCT will consist largely of job training programs aimed at getting unemployed 

individuals or individuals significantly impacted by the pandemic back to work in high-quality 

career pathways, particularly in areas such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, clean 

energy, and construction. These funds will also be used to support students whose education has 

been impacted by the pandemic and either need support in finishing their high school diploma or 

entering the workforce immediately after graduating by earning industry-recognized credentials. 

The Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS, a sub-agency housed within the Office of the Governor)

will supplement these ARP dollars with additional funding focused on supporting systems 

redesign efforts to improve some of the structural issues that currently plague Connecticut’s 

workforce system. OWS will be managing these funds and will likely need to hire a program

manager to help with the administration of the funds. The Office of Workforce Strategy will solicit 

proposals from partnership groups that must include at least on workforce development board, 

educational or workforce training provider, and an industry partner. The intended outcomes of 

CareerConneCT be to train and place between 5,500 and 7,000 students and job seekers to enter 

employment in careers including, but not limited to, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, clean 

energy, and construction. OWS is partnering with the Office of Policy and Management to design 

a framework for evaluating the success of each program that is funded with ARP dollars. This 

evaluation framework will include before and after analyses that will be focused on, among other 

things, wage gains, educational attainment, decreased reliance on state services, etc. Program 

providers will be asked to submit a core set of data about each participant after completion of the 

program. With respect to community engagement, each training proposal will be required to 

include language on how that program will be addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized 

populations in the workforce. By requiring the state’s nine Regional Workforce Development 

Boards to collaborate with regional training providers and companies, the OWS will be expecting 

deep community engagement to inform the design of each application submitted.

Project 35: CT Hospitality Industry Support

Funding amount: $30,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

This project is intended to provide direct support to businesses in the tourism, travel, and 

hospitality industry which have suffered direct economic harm due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of ensure funding from the CSFRF is in compliance 

with federal regulations. The following methods for operationalizing the funding are being 

considered.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 26

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 36: Regulatory Modernization

Funding amount: $1,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 6.1 Provision of Government Services

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with potential grantees 

within this program to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 37: Historic Wooster Square Association

Funding amount: $500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations. Funding

being considered in order to support improving outdoor spaces as a response to the public health 

emergency and/or its negative economic impacts in accordance with federal regulations.

Project 38: Humane Commission/Animal Shelter of New Haven

Funding amount: $500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of ensure funding from the CSFRF is in compliance 

with federal regulations. The following methods for operationalizing the funding are being 

considered.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 39: Ball and Socket Cheshire

Funding amount: $200,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of ensure funding from the CSFRF is in compliance 

with federal regulations. The following methods for operationalizing the funding are being 

considered.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 27

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs; 

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and 

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 40: Junta for Progressive Action

Funding amount: $750,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Economic and 

Community Development are in the process of ensure funding from the CSFRF is in compliance 

with federal regulations. The following methods for operationalizing the funding are being 

considered.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning 

needs that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

Project 41: CT Airport Authority

Funding amount: $2,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 42: Right to Read

Funding amount: $25,720,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.3 Education Assistance: Academic Services

The Office of Policy and Management and the State Department of Education are in the process 

of operationalizing this funding which will support the Center for Literacy Research and Success, 

newly established at the State Department of Education in Public Act 21-2, JSS. The center will 

have responsibility for statewide oversight of literacy education and intensive supports for literacy 

education in Alliance Districts, the 33 lowest performing districts in the State of Connecticut. The 

reading assessments and curricula recommended and implemented by the Center for Literacy 

Research and Success are required, by the language establishing the center and delineating its 

duties in PA 21-2, JSS, to be evidence based. This funding will provide intense supports to 

students in Connecticut’s lowest performing districts and provide resources to all districts to assist 

children who read below grade level, thereby helping to mitigate educational disparities 

exacerbated by the pandemic.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 28

Project 43: Faith Acts Priority School Districts

Funding amount: $10,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.2 Education Assistance: Aid to High-Poverty Districts

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with the Connecticut State 

Department of Education to operationalize this program which will provide an additional $10 

million in support to Priority Districts during Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023. Priority districts are 15

of Connecticut’s highest poverty, highest need districts, with some of the greatest challenges to 

educational achievement. This funding will help to advance equitable education funding across 

geographic areas and to mitigate educational disparities exacerbated by the pandemic.

Project 44: CT Writing Project

Funding amount: $159,500

Project Expenditure Category: 3.2 Education Assistance: Academic Services

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

State Department of Education to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal 

regulations. The Grantee is an affiliate of the National Writing Project, dedicated to improving 

students’ writing by strengthening the teaching of writing, providing professional development 

programs for classroom teachers, and expanding the professional roles of teachers. Eligible 

potential uses include programming dedicated to supporting students disproportionately impacted 

by COVID or as aid to a non-profit operationalized within applicable CSFRF guidelines.

Project 45: Ascend Mentoring - Windsor

Funding amount: $300,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.4 Educational Assistance: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health 

Services

Ascend Mentoring is an organization in Windsor, Connecticut that serves children aged 12-18 

enrolled in Windsor Public Schools with three areas of focus employment services, financial 

planning, and mental health resources. The Office of Policy and Management and the State

Department of Education are in the process of operationalizing this funding with the goal of 

providing additional social, emotional, and mental health resources, as well as other enrichment 

opportunities to students disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. 

Project 46: Women in Manufacturing - Platt Tech Regional Vocational Technical School

Funding amount: $70,000

Project Expenditure Category: 6.1 Provision of Government Services

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance.

Project 47: Elevate Bridgeport

Funding amount: $800,000
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 29

Project Expenditure Category: 3.4 Educational Assistance: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health 

Services

Elevate Bridgeport provides additional elective classes mentoring extra-curricular activities 

college and career preparation for Students in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The Office of Policy and 

the State Department of Education are working to operationalize these funds to provide additional 

enrichment activities for students disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Project 48: Grant to RHAM Manufacturing Program

Funding amount: $32,000

Project Expenditure Category: 6.1 Provision of Government Services

This program will provide support to Career and Technical Education at RHAM High School in 

Hebron Connecticut. The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with 

the State Department of Education to ensure support provided is in compliance with federal 

guidance.

Project 49: East Hartford Youth Services

Funding amount: $200,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.4 Education Assistance: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health 

Services

East Hartford Youth Services is a Municipal Agency in East Hartford, Connecticut which provides 

community support, counseling services and other services to youth in East Hartford, Connecticut. 

The Office of Policy and Management and the State Department of Education are in the process 

of operationalizing the funding to support social, emotional, and mental health services as well as 

other enrichment opportunities for students disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Project 50: Student Achievement Through Opportunity

Funding amount: $100,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.4 Education Assistance: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health 

Services

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance.

Project 51: Summer Camp Scholarships for Families

Funding amount: $3,500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.4 Education Assistance: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health 

Services

Working with the State Department of Education, scholarships to sports and specialty camps will 

be targeted for children at or below 50% of state median income (SMI) for summer 2022. This will 

help families provide their children with fun, safe summer activities after multiple years in which 

many children experienced enhanced isolation and decreased interpersonal contacts due to the 

pandemic. The delivery mechanism and partners are currently being discussed by The Office of 

Policy and Management and the State Department of Education. Summer camp is an engaging 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 30

and enriching experience that is proven to help accelerate learning and support students’ mental 

health. Providing $3.5 million in scholarships to families who need it most allows the state to 

extend these evidence-based interventions to disproportionately impacted communities (EC3).

Project 52: New Haven Local Little League

Funding amount: $500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.4 Education Assistance: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health 

Services

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

The following methods for operationalizing the funding with the named entity are being considered 

based on profit and loss statements for the eligible period, statement of incurred expenses, or 

other financial information necessary to comply with the federal regulations.

• Loans or grants to mitigate financial hardship such as declines in revenues or impacts of 

periods of business closure, for example by supporting payroll and benefits costs, costs 

to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utilities costs, and other operating costs;

• Loans, grants, or in-kind assistance to implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation 

tactics, such as physical plant changes to enable social distancing, enhanced cleaning 

efforts, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or contact tracing 

programs; and

• Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning needs 

that responds to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.

• Additionally, these services automatically qualify as eligible uses when provided in 

Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs), low-income areas designated by HUD; to families in 

QCTs; or by Tribal governments. Outside of these areas, recipient governments can also 

identify and serve households, populations, and geographic areas disproportionately 

impacted by the pandemic. Services under this category could include: 

o Programs or services that address or mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 public 

health emergency on education, childhood health and welfare, including: 

 Summer education and enrichment programs in these communities, which 

include many communities currently struggling with high levels of violence;

 Programs that address learning loss and keep students productively 

engaged; 

 Enhanced services for foster youths and home visiting programs; and 

 o Summer camps and recreation.

Project 53: Hamden Before and After School Programming

Funding amount: $500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.4 Education Assistance: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health 

Services

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance. The parties 

involved in this process ultimately aim to use this funding to provide additional before and after 

school programming to students disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Project 54: Hamden Pre-K Programming 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 31

Funding amount: $100,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.1 Education Assistance: Early Learning

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance. The parties 

involved in this process ultimately aim to use this funding to provide additional early educational 

opportunities to students disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Project 55: Air Quality Study

Funding amount: $20,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.12 Other Public Health Services

The link between social determinants of health, including social, environmental and economic 

conditions and health outcomes, is widely recognized in the public health literature, as well as the 

corresponding disproportionate impact on some racial and ethnic groups. The Office of Policy and 

Management is working with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to 

operationalize funding for an air quality study in Sherman Connecticut.

Project 56: Swimming Lessons to DEEP

Funding amount: $1,500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.5 Education Assistance: Other

The Office of Policy and Management is working with the Department of Energy and 

Environmental Protection to operationalize funding an annual program to provide free or 

significantly subsidized swim lessons for children in Connecticut from families of limited financial 

means. The most efficient way to get this program up and running quickly is to utilize existing 

capacity year-round to provide lessons. This may include municipal recreation departments, 

YMCAs, private organizations and individuals, and others. DEEP is reviewing options to provide 

vouchers for families to pay all or a significant portion of the cost of swim lessons at any provider 

they want who meets minimum qualifications. Eligibility would be based on one or more metrics 

of family means, informed by DSS. Lessons could be given anywhere a provider offers, including 

at our state park swim areas, if desired. Providers would redeem the vouchers for a predetermined level of reimbursement per lesson provided.

Project 57: Health and Safety Barriers to Housing Remediation

Funding amount: $7,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.12 Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance

Over 30% of the homes of residents with limited income contain health and safety barriers that 

prevent the completion of weatherization measures to make those homes more efficient. This 

poses an equity concern for income-eligible participants who are unable to access the 

considerable energy savings and health benefits of participating in Connecticut’ Conservation and 

Load Management (C&LM) fund’s income-eligible residential program, Home Energy Solutions –

Income Eligible (HES-IE). HES-IE helps Connecticut residents with limited income to weatherize 

their homes with insulation, air sealing, and improved air ventilation. However, if customers have 

health and safety barriers in their homes such as asbestos and vermiculite, mold, gas leaks, and 

knob-and-tube wiring, weatherization measures cannot be completed. A program is needed to 

remediate these barriers so that we can increase energy efficiency, reduce future energy bills, 

and improve indoor and outdoor air quality for residents with limited income, who have been 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 32

disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to affordable energy is a 

fundamental necessity for living in the modern world, including access to the internet that enables 

remote work, education, and healthcare. Reducing energy costs will help the state’s most 

vulnerable residents avoid utility service disconnections, which are a primary cause of 

homelessness. Improving the health, safety and comfort of a home’s inhabitants is also of 

particular importance given that many people are spending more time than ever in their homes, 

working, and attending school remotely. This proposal will also support energy efficiency jobs, 

which were substantially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as jobs related to barrier 

remediation. More efficient home energy use improves air quality, reduces greenhouse gas 

emissions, and improves home resilience to the impacts of climate change. The Department of 

Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will have oversight over the program, as it does 

over the coordinated HES-IE program. Program administrators will be chosen through an RFP 

process conducted by, or in coordination with, Eversource and Avangrid, who administer the HESIE program. With funding of $7 million over three years, the Health and Safety Barrier Remediation 

program will serve approximately 875 homes.4 With a maximum expenditure of $15,000 and an 

average of $8,000 per home, the program will unlock $1.131 million in HES-IE utility coinvestment for weatherization services and $1.680 million in lifetime customer energy savings for 

income-eligible households. Customers will be automatically eligible for barrier remediation funds 

if they are eligible for HES-IE and utility hardship programs. DEEP has existing prioritization 

criteria in place that is also used in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance 

Program. The barrier remediation program could also include utility customers who qualify for 

“medical hardship.” Eversource and Avangrid, who administer the HES-IE program, have a

database of thousands of homes that have been deferred from HES-IE services due to the 

presence of a barrier. These homes represent a viable program pipeline since they have already 

expressed interest in HES-IE and thus require little to no lead acquisition or administrative work 

to receive weatherization services once health and safety barriers are cleared. This program will

also be coordinated with the Efficient Energy Retrofit for Affordable Housing program described 

below.

Project 58: Efficient Energy Retrofit for Housing

Funding amount: $7,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.12 Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance

The Efficient Energy Retrofit for Affordable Housing program will target affordable housing, which 

is often outdated with inefficient energy consumption, to ensure that the inhabitants of affordable 

housing have healthy homes, can afford their energy bills, and are able to participate in clean 

energy programs. Connecticut households spend the second highest amount on annual energy 

bills in the nation at an average of $3,600. One of the leading causes of homelessness is an 

inability to pay utility bills, even if the person can afford to pay rent. Providing funds to pay for upfront costs of energy appliances or renewable energy infrastructure that many affordable housing 

tenants are not able to afford will unlock years of energy bill savings and provide other safety, 

health, and environmental benefits. This program will therefore create opportunities for 

participation in energy efficiency and clean energy programs for people living in affordable 

housing, improving the energy efficiency of the home, and leveraging incentives for rooftop solar 

and/or storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and electric heat pumps, to further reduce 

energy bills and provide resilience. The program can also provide electricity infrastructure 

improvements if needed to support the clean economy of the future. DEEP will administer the 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 33

program, in coordination with other state agencies as well as the Connecticut Green Bank and 

the Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority. Incentives from existing energy efficiency and 

renewable energy programs will be leveraged. DEEP targets an average per unit spend of $5,000, 

which will allow DEEP to reach roughly 1,000 homes and pay for the administrative costs to run 

the program.

Project 59: Quinnipiac Avenue Canoe Launch

Funding amount: $250,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.13 Social Determinants of Health: Other

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations. When 

provided in a QTC, investments in parks, public plazas, and other public outdoor recreation 

spaces may be responsive to the needs of disproportionately impacted communities by promoting 

healthier living environments and outdoor recreation and socialization to mitigate the spread of 

COVID-19.

Project 60: Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen

Funding amount: $200,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.1 Household Assistance: Food Programs

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen serves people who are experiencing homelessness or living in 

poverty by providing food assistance and services, including nightly dinners, a weekly food pantry 

and drop-in resource center in downtown New Haven. The Office of Policy and Management is in 

the process of coordinating with this grantee and the General Assembly to scope the project and 

ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 61: Hands on Hartford

Funding amount: $100,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.1 Household Assistance: Food Programs

Hands on Hartford, an agency founded in 1969 by members of 8 congregations in the community 

to serve Hartford’s most economically challenged residents in the areas of food, housing, and 

health. Volunteer-driven, Hands on Hartford founded Connecticut’s first supportive housing 

program for people living with AIDS. It has also founded Hartford’s only group home for adults 

with mental illness, its first soup kitchen, its only fuel assistance program for the working poor, its 

only weekend senior nutrition program, and a comprehensive after-school tutoring and arts 

education program for elementary school aged children. The Office of Policy and Management is 

in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the General Assembly to scope the project 

and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 62: DPH Loan Repayment

Funding amount: $1,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.12 Other Public Health Services
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 34

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations. Funds 

will be utilized to expand access to health care through educational loan repayment assistance to 

community-based providers of primary care services working in medically underserved or health

professional shortage areas, or otherwise providing services to populations disproportionately 

impacted by COVID-19.

Project 63: Community Health Workers

Funding amount: $6,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.14 Social Determinants of Health: Community Health Workers 

or Benefits Navigators

The Community Health Worker (CHW) program will build resilience for the next generation by

training trusted CHWs to support the highest risk families in the state. Community Health Workers 

already exist and are doing exceptional work throughout the state. The scope of this project 

continues to be refined as guidance is updated; however, the main activities include: an analysis 

of the current landscape to determine the number of and type of CHWs across the state;

identification of critical partnerships (for employment, training, outreach, marketing, etc.);

identifying areas and families with need by developing a screening tool; determining integration 

points with home visiting programs, etc. The timeline is currently under discussion, though current 

landscape analysis, training, and program initiation could take between 9 – 18 months. The 

intended outcomes include a continuum of care for families with the greatest need and better 

awareness of and connections to health/social services for those families. Additional metrics to 

evaluate success and impact will need to be discussed. This funding will support and enhance 

the work that CHWs do as care managers, patient navigators, case workers, etc. Though CHWs 

are not strictly evidence-based, some studies have shown that CHW intervention reduces 

healthcare costs and rates of hospital admission. The Department of Public Health (DPH), the 

Office of Health Strategy (OHS), and the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) will work closely

together to determine the exact structure of a rigorous program evaluation, which is certainly 

critical to ensuring program success.

Project 64: Obesity & COVID-19 Study

Funding amount: $6,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.12 Other Public Health Services

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance. A study

would be expected to involve data analysis intended to lead to improved programming addressing 

the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project 65: Cornell Scott-Hill Health

Funding amount: $250,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.12 Other Public Health Services 

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations. Cornell 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 35

Scott Hill Health Center is a federally qualified health center serving approximately 36,000 

patients throughout Greater New Haven and the Lower Naugatuck Valley each year. Funds may

be targeted to COVID prevention or mitigation activities, such as medical care, support for 

vulnerable populations to access medical services, enhancement to health care capacity, 

purchases of PPE, ventilation improvements in health care settings, or capital investments to 

meet pandemic operational needs. May also be utilized for medical expenses, or health care 

employee compensation to the extent that their services are devoted to mitigating or responding 

to the public health emergency.

Project 66: Groton Water Taxi

Funding amount: $200,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

Supports the Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi - Sightseeing & Historic Boat Tours along 

the Thames River in Groton and New London. The Office of Policy and Management is in the 

process of coordinating with this grantee and the General Assembly to scope the project and 

ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 67: Domestic Worker Grants

Funding amount: $400,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.9 Small Business Economic Assistance (General)

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with the Department of 

Labor and the General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal 

regulations.

Project 68: Veterans Employment Opportunity Pilot

Funding amount: $700,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.7 Job Training Assistance

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with the Department of 

Labor on the initiative to support workforce training programs for veterans disproportionately

impacted by the pandemic either due to a direct impact to employment or secondary impacts of 

the pandemic including housing instability, food instability or mental health concerns project and 

ensure compliance with federal guidance.

Project 69: Opportunities for Long Term Unemployed Returning Citizens

Funding amount: $1,500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.7 Job Training Assistance 

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with the Department of 

Labor on the initiative to support workforce training programs for individuals who have been 

suffered long term unemployment as a result of the pandemic.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 36

Project 70: TBICO Danbury Women’s Employment Program

Funding amount: $50,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.7 Job Training Assistance 

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with the Department of 

Labor on the initiative to support workforce training programs women whose employment has 

been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic either directly or has ability to provide for their 

dependents has been directly impacted.

Project 71: Boys and Girls Club Workforce Development - Milford

Funding amount: $100,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.7 Job Training Assistance 

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance. Intention 

is to support workforce development for constituents served by the agency who have been 

disproportionality impacted by the pandemic by providing job training and supportive services.

Project 72: Women’s Mentoring Network – Strategic Life Skills Workshop

Funding amount: $10,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.7 Job Training Assistance 

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Labor is in the 

process of coordinating with this grantee and the General Assembly to scope the project and 

ensure compliance with federal regulations. Intention is to support workforce development for 

constituents served by the agency who have been disproportionality impacted by the pandemic 

by providing job training and supportive services.

Project 73: Senior Jobs Bank – West Hartford

Funding amount: $20,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.7 Job Training Assistance 

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Labor is in the 

process of coordinating with this grantee and the General Assembly to scope the project and 

ensure compliance with federal regulations. Intention is to support workforce development for 

constituents served by the agency who have been disproportionality impacted by the pandemic 

by providing job training and supportive services.

Project 74: Greater Bridgeport OIC Job Development and Training Program

Funding amount: $500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.7 Job Training Assistance 

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Labor is in the 

process of coordinating with this grantee and the General Assembly to scope the project and 

ensure compliance with federal regulations. Intention is to support workforce development for 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 37

constituents served by the agency who have been disproportionality impacted by the pandemic 

by providing job training and supportive services.

Project 75: Unemployment Trust Fund

Funding amount: $155,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.8 Contributions to UI Trust Funds 

When COVID-19 hit our state last spring, Connecticut was ill-prepared to handle the sudden influx 

of unemployment claims and ended FY 2021 having borrowed approximately $894 million in UI 

funds. These loans are typically repaid by an increased tax on employers. Utilizing $155 million 

could prevent a $19 million special assessment on employers that would otherwise be required

to cover interest payments due to the federal government this fall and would assist in the 

repayment of the federal UI loan principal, mitigating the tax impact on employers.

Project 76: Unemployment Support

Funding amount: $15,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.13 Other Economic Support 

The State of Connecticut is dedicating $15 million in FY 2022 to continue to support the need for 

enhanced staff and operations at the Department of Labor’s contact center during this period of 

heightened demand. In addition, dedicated federal support would preserve the state’s UI 

administrative reserve, helping to maintain consumer access to timely responses from agency 

personnel and address the growing demand on agency resources to support all facets of the 

claims process for the COVID driven unemployment support programs providing benefits to 

Connecticut residents.

Project 77: Customized Services for Mortgage Crisis Jobs Training Program

Funding amount: $1,100,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.7 Job Training Assistance 

The Office of Policy and Management in collaboration with the Department of Labor is in the 

process of coordinating with this grantee and the General Assembly to scope the project and 

ensure compliance with federal guidance. The intention is to support workforce development for 

constituents served by the agency who have been disproportionality impacted by the pandemic 

by providing job training and supportive services.

Project 78: Care4Kids Parent Fees

Funding amount: $5,300,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.6 Healthy Childhood Environments: Child Care

The goal of the Care4Kids program is to make childcare affordable for low to moderate income 

families in Connecticut. The program is a partnership between the State of Connecticut, the 

families in the program and the providers who take care of the children. It allocates $5.3 million 

to the Office of Early Childhood to cover parent fees in the Care4Kids program until the funding 

allocated for this initiative is exhausted. This will supplement $8.7 million in stimulus funding 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 38

awarded directly by the federal government to OEC which will support the same initiative. The 

initiative will provide economic relief to the families of thousands lower- and middle-income 

children, many of whom have suffered unemployment, loss of income and other trauma resulting 

from the COVID-19 pandemic, while providing early educational opportunities to the children 

themselves and promoting health early childhood environments.

Program website: CT Care 4 Kids – Connecticut Office of Early Childhood

Project 79: Parent Fees for 3-4 Year Olds at State Funded Childcare Centers

Funding amount: $3,500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.6 Healthy Childhood Environments: Child Care

Allocating $3.5 million to pay parent fees in the school readiness and child day care statecontracted programs through September of 2021. This initiative will provide economic relief to the 

families of income-eligible children enrolled in these programs, many of whom come from 

communities and populations that have suffered disproportionately from the health and economic 

consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, while also helping to retain children in these highquality educational programs, mitigating learning loss and increasing kindergarten readiness. In 

addition, $3.5 million will be provided out of federal stimulus funds awarded to OEC from prior 

legislation for Family Resource Center programs. They will offer free summer programs for 

preschool children and their families for children, not enrolled in early childhood programs, who 

missed out on preschool experiences due to COVID-19.

Project 80: Universal Home Visiting

Funding amount: $8,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.7 Healthy Childhood Environments: Home Visiting

This funding will be used to create a universal home visiting program. Home visiting sends 

registered nurses from the community to the homes of newborns within the first three weeks after 

birth to conduct health and wellness checks for both the infant and mother. Registered nurses 

inform mothers of the core functions of infant and maternal health and of the community resources 

available to meet their identified needs. The nurse documents physical assessments, community 

referrals, and general visitation outcomes and shares the appropriate information to the family’s 

health-care providers. The timeline for this project varies and is continuing to be discussed, 

though it will likely take between 24-36 months to fully roll out the program in pilot cities and then 

throughout the state. Partnerships will likely include healthcare organizations/nonprofits, hospital 

systems, community health centers/FQHCs, home visiting models, etc. The Office of Early 

Childhood (OEC) is working closely with the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Office of 

Health Strategy (OHS) in the planning and implementation process. The intended outcomes 

include improving health outcomes and enhance social determinants of health, namely the mental 

health and wellbeing, for mothers and their newborns. Just as importantly, Universal home visiting 

reduces the stigma associated with targeted eligibility requirements, which creates enrollment 

challenges for existing services statewide. This will help increase contact and create connections 

with high-risk families to help them access higher intensity services.

Evidence shows that universal home visiting reduces emergency medical care and child welfare 

engagement, generating $3 in savings for every $1 spent in program costs. Having a baby is a 

big life change - every family can benefit from early public health supports like home visiting 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 39

regardless of income and risk profile. In addition, universal home visiting reduces stigma for 

eligibility as stated above. The Connecticut Needs Assessment of Connecticut’s federally funded 

home visiting system highlights stigma as an issue by noting that “primary prevention was often 

difficult or unavailable for families to access and HV has been stigmatized as an extension of DCF 

services... having a clear distinction between prevention services and those provided by DCF was 

anticipated to reduce barriers to engagement”. Program evaluation metrics are continuing to be 

discussed and refined among agencies. For example, a potential operating partner, Family 

Connects demonstrates several outcomes: a 50% reduction in emergency room visits and

hospital overnight stays in the first year of infants'’ lives; mothers 28%-30% less likely to report 

postpartum clinical anxiety or depression; 13%-15% increase in community connections made; 

44% lower rates of Child Protective Services investigations. Additionally, Family Connects is 

designated as an evidence-based model under the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home 

Visiting (MIECHV) program through the Administration for Children & Families. Studies can be 

found here, here, and here.

Project 81: Roberta Willis Need-Based Scholarships

Funding amount: $40,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.5 Education Assistance: Other

The pandemic has taken a toll on the personal financial situations of many Connecticut residents 

who were pursuing higher education or will now enroll in a college or university in pursuit of stable 

employment. This funding from CSFRF will increase the available resources for need-based 

scholarships to Connecticut residents attending public and independent nonprofit colleges and 

universities, increasing state-issued financial aid by 18% in each year. In FY 2019, approximately 

11,000 students received an average state scholarship award of $2,990. This dedicated 

investment could support up to 2,000 students each year. The Office of Policy and Management 

is evaluating ways to target this funding to students in communities that were disproportionately 

impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project 82: College Corps CT Summer Program

Funding amount: $1,500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.5 Education Assistance: Other

In order to fulfill the state’s goals of providing all students access to enriching and engaging 

summer programs in 2021, the College Corps CT recruited 500 students statewide to work in 

summer programs. Corps members received one week of specialized training prior to being 

matched with summer enrichment programs throughout the state. They worked for seven weeks 

supporting summer programs to provide joyful, stimulating experiences and to mitigate school 

disengagement for youth. Corps members participated in weekly cohort meetings with team 

leaders and mentors who provided ongoing guidance, resources, and support.

The state of Connecticut partnered with Fairfield University to recruit, train, and operationalize the 

program in coordination with the State Department of Education. More information can be found 

at: https://www.fairfield.edu/graduate-and-professional-studies/school-of-education-and-humandevelopment/community-engagement/college-corps-ct-summer-program/

The $1.5 million was paired with Coronavirus Relief Funds for a $3 million total investment.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 40

The College Corps CT aims to provide meaningful and enriching work experience for college 

students while fulfilling the staffing needs of summer programs across the state. Members of the 

College Corps CT were placed in summer programs that are a part of the State Department of 

Education’s Expansion and Innovation Grant Programs and therefore are proven evidence-based

interventions and will be rigorously evaluated.

Project 83: Private Providers

Funding amount: $60,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.12 Other Public Health Services

The $60 million over two years, in combination with OPM Private Provider funding, some Medicaid 

support for Intermediate Care Facilities, and carryforward funding will support contracted 

providers in the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). That funding will help implement 

a minimum wage increase for employees in DDS provider settings and support a 3% increase for 

those making over the minimum wage, plus fund a health and retirement pool to enhance benefits 

for these important health care workers.

Project 84: PPE & Supplies

Funding amount: $20,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.5 Personal Protective Equipment

Funding in the amount of $20 million is allocated to support continued investment and 

replacement of expired PPE to ensure that the state is prepared and can continue to safeguard 

its direct care and frontline workers. The funding will also support a new emergency management 

warehouse to be operated by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s 

Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and a small logistics staff. This will 

provide Connecticut an asset that most states already have and will permit safe storage of PPE, 

as well as emergency support vehicles and communications devices that are currently often 

stored outside, subjecting them to weather degradation and potential theft.

Project 85: State Employee Essential Workers and National Guard Premium Pay

Funding amount: $20,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 4.1 Public Sector Employees

This funding will provide financial recognition for the essential workers who gave us security 

during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project 86: Higher Education - UConn

Funding amount: $25,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 6.1 Provision of Government Services

These funds aim to offset direct COVID-19 related costs and revenue impacts from the ongoing 

pandemic during the upcoming fiscal years. UConn faced significant costs in 2020 for student 

testing, remote learning technology, and campus adaptations to accommodate learning during 

the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, UConn saw steep revenue declines from reduced 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 41

enrollment at community colleges and reduced on-campus housing and dining fees at universities 

as students chose to attend classes remotely while living off-campus. The funding will provide 

budget stability and cover ongoing direct costs and revenue losses from COVID-19 as higher 

education institutions transition to operating in a post-pandemic environment. The funds fall under 

the Negative Economic Impacts (EC 2), and Services to Disproportionately Impacted 

Communities (EC 3) Expenditure Categories.

Project 87: UCHC Revenue Impact

Funding amount: $35,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 6.1 Provision of Government Services

Funding of $35 million is allocated to the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCH), the 

state’s only academic medical center, in FY 2022 to reimburse UCH’s clinical fund for revenue

losses experienced during the period of reduced capacity in 2020 in response to COVID-19 

outbreaks. UCH has stated that revenue losses resulting from reduced clinical operations in FY 

2020 alone were $19 million. This direct budget impact from COVID-19 was not eligible for relief 

from the previous federal funding available under the Coronavirus Relief Fund but is expected to 

be an allowable use of the CSFRF. As UCH already faces a difficult financial outlook in the coming 

years, including a projected budget deficit of up to $40 million in FY 2023, this relief for revenue 

losses related to the pandemic will provide flexibility to address challenges down the road. The 

funds fall under the Negative Economic Impacts (EC 2), and Services to Disproportionately 

Impacted Communities (EC 3) Expenditure Categories.

Project 88: University of Connecticut Health Center

Funding amount: $38,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 6.1 Provision of Government Services

Similar to Project 87. The legislature allocated funding in separate lines for similar purposes.

Project 89: Fostering Community

Funding amount: $20,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofits

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance. The 

Department of Children and Families will work with the vendor, Fostering the Community Inc., to 

identify one or more enhanced services for child welfare-involved families and/or foster youth to 

provide support and training in child development, positive parenting, or coping skills.

Project 90: Casa Boricua-Meriden

Funding amount: $100,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.14 Social Determinants of Health: Community Health Workers 

or Benefits Navigators

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance. Casa 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 42

Boricua De Meriden is a non-profit organization that works to improve the education, health, and 

well-being of Puerto Rican/Latino persons in Greater Meriden. This organization’s experience in 

assisting clients in navigating public benefits and the provision of services for individuals 

experiencing homelessness is consistent with eligible use guidelines.

Project 91: Children’s Mental Health Initiatives

Funding amount: $10,500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.1 Mental Health Services

$5.25 million in CSLFRF funds annually will be utilized to support care coordinators to facilitate 

discharges from emergency departments (EDs), inpatient settings and Psychiatric Residential 

Treatment Facilities (PRTFs), expand children’s mobile crisis services to 24/7-hour coverage, and 

support new children’s behavioral health urgent care centers that can provide diversionary

opportunities from EDs. Additionally, this funding will be utilized to support interventions to 

address trauma experienced by youth residing in urban communities, and the promotion of 

improved provider specific program performance through expanded data analysis as it relates to 

racial equity and justice.

Project 92: Child First

Funding amount: $10,200,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.7 Healthy Childhood Environments: Home Visiting

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance. Child First 

is an intensive, therapeutic home visiting program that works with parents and families to help 

address emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges, as well as learning problems in 

young children, birth to six years of age. Services will be provided to families living in Qualified 

Census Tracts and to families that are child welfare-involved.

Project 93: Mothers Against Violence

Funding amount: $50,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.16 Social Determinants of Health: Community Violence 

Interventions

Mothers Against Violence (MAV) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to fight 

crime in communities by promoting leadership, training, counseling services and workforce 

development to at risk children and their families. MAV offers training and workforce development 

opportunities for the youth, counseling services for children and adults, and behavior and anger 

management training. They also participate in the VIDA program which promotes financial 

savings for individuals to buy homes, start businesses, to assist in educational costs. MAV 

provides individuals and community with tools and resources that will help to decrease violence 

in the community.

MAV runs a number of activities that allow for community engagement. Some of these activities 

are:

• Walk for Life

• Back to School Drive
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 43

• Annual Holiday Celebration

• Monthly Grief Support Group

• Available to visit a community for a forum

MAV is not classified as an evidence-based intervention. A program evaluation is currently not in 

place. Regular communication with the program coordinator and reporting will occur throughout 

the life of the contract.

Project 94: Legal Representation for Tenant Eviction

Funding amount: $20,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.12 Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance

The project allocates $20 million from CSFRF ($10 million each year in FY 2022 and FY 2023) in 

response to the housing crisis brought about by the COVID 19 public health crisis to support legal 

representation costs as well as administrative termination hearings, assistance to tenants at 

notice-to-quit stage, increases in tenants appearing in cases, and education/outreach to tenants. 

For reference, in an economically good year, nearly 20,000 Connecticut households face the 

threat of eviction. Most of those households have no one to represent them in court, even though 

representation significantly increases tenants’ chances of staying in their homes. Of note, other 

jurisdictions have saved between $2.40 and $12.74 on other services for every dollar spent 

providing counsel. Thus, in addition to the CSFRF allocation, funding of $600,000 of federal 

Emergency Rental Assistance 2 funds will be provided to support the Foreclosure Mediation 

Program and the potential surge in eviction cases. This commitment of CSFRF resources 

augments significant other ARP funds dedicated to supporting tenants, landlords, and 

homeowners. This includes: the state’s allocation of Emergency Rental Assistance 2 funds of 

$186 million to support the continued success of UniteCT, the program created with $236 million 

of funding from the December Consolidated Appropriations Act to provide rental and electricity 

payment assistance on behalf of Connecticut households financially impacted by the COVID-19 

pandemic; $123 million for the Homeowners Assistance Fund to help qualifying homeowners 

struggling with mortgage payments and other costs; $36 million in HOME funds to meet the 

housing and service needs of the community’s most vulnerable population; plus additional 

resources provided directly to our center cities to provide housing opportunity for very low-income 

households through the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing units and the 

provision of housing support services, and Connecticut’s anticipated share of $5 billion in 

nationwide funding for new tenant-based vouchers.

Project 95: New Haven Police Activities League

Funding amount: $100,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.13 Social Determinants of Health: Other

New Haven Police Activities League (NH-PAL) program provides educational and athletic 

programs for children throughout the city, as well as sponsoring different activities. NH-PAL 

responds to the needs of youth in many neighborhoods, through after school, weekend, and 

special summer events. The purpose is to build character, help strengthen police-community 

relations, and keep children off illegal drugs. NH-PAL’s primary partners are the City of New 

Haven and New Haven Police Department. NH-PAL also partners with the community at large by 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 44

soliciting funds, equipment, and volunteer help from members of the community, so that the cost 

to taxpayers is small while the returns are great. 

Participants in the NH-PAL activities are reportedly much less likely to engage in crime, far more 

likely to praise the character of the police force and discourage their friends from either committing 

crimes or covering up criminal activity. PAL research indicates that it is an effective tool in juvenile 

crime prevention and in juvenile community policing.

NH-PAL runs a number of activities that allow for community engagement. Some of these

activities are American Legion baseball teams, basketball leagues, judo classes, a street hockey 

league, a chess club, track and field clinics, girls’ volleyball, flag football, and karate instruction. 

Special events include essay contests, Young Eagles Day with a local pilot’s association, an 

Olympic style statewide track and field competition and many others.

Project 96: TRUE Unit – Cheshire CI

Funding amount: $1,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.4 Education Assistance: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health 

Services

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance.

Project 97: Worth Program York CI

Funding amount: $500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.4 Education Assistance: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health 

Services

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations

Project 98: Vocational Village Dept Corrections

Funding amount: $20,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.7 Job Training Assistance

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations

Project 99: Fair Haven Clinic

Funding amount: $10,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.12 Other Public Health Services

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 100: Workforce Development, Education and Training

Funding amount: $1,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.7 Job Training Assistance

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 45

Project 101: Nursing Home Facility Support

Funding amount: $10,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.4 Prevention in Congregate Settings

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance.

Project 102: MyCT Resident One Stop

Funding amount: $2,500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.14 Social Determinants of Health: Community Health Workers 

or Benefits Navigators

The MyCT initiative seeks to put all government services online in a way that makes state services 

more accessible. This one-stop approach enables residents to access health and human services 

programs via the online portal by simplifying online interactions, and making it easier to locate, 

apply for, and maintain participation in state benefit programs. This operating support will provide 

the necessary resources to bring in additional project assistance for user research and design of 

the health and human services function within MyCT. Lastly, these funds will allow the state to 

bring in additional business domain expertise for the duration of the project.

Project 103: New Reach Life Haven Shelter

Funding amount: $500,000

Project Expenditure Category: 3.11 Housing Support: Services for Unhoused Persons

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 104: Mary Wade

Funding amount: $750,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.4 Prevention in Congregate Settings

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 105: Community Action Agencies

Funding amount: $5,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Project 106: CTN

Funding amount: $1,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance. This project 
State of Connecticut 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 46

will allocate a total of $1 million in FY 2022 for CT-N (Connecticut Network). CT-N is a network 

that assists in providing Connecticut's citizens with access to unbiased information about state 

government and public policy via television and other relevant technologies. CT-N has been, and 

continues to be, essential in public outreach throughout the pandemic while maintaining social 

distance. By utilizing CT-N, the state of Connecticut is able to reduce the spread of COVID by 

providing an alternative to public presence during the legislative process. However, as a result of 

utilizing CT-N, the Office of Legislative Management has incurred additional cost to increase 

coverage. This funding will help offset the cost incurred in providing additional coverage.

Project 107: DMHAS Private Providers

Funding amount: $50,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.12 Other Public Health Services

The Office of Policy and Management is in the process of coordinating with this grantee and the 

General Assembly to scope the project and ensure compliance with federal guidance.

Project 108: Blind and Deaf Community Supports

Funding amount: $2,000,000

Project Expenditure Category: 1.12 Other Public Health Services

Funding will address deficiencies in support services for individuals who are blind, deaf, hard of 

hearing or deafblind. This may include clear masks, vaccine clinic supports and informational 

videos, communication cards, and interpreter services for the deaf community. Project activities

will include identifying partners, determining need, and deciding how best to allocate funds.

Project 109: Revenue

Funding amount: $1,754,800,000

Project Expenditure Category: 6.1 Provision of Government Services

The State of Connecticut has allocated $1.75 billion in federal pandemic aid to be used to support 

budget balance: $559.9 million in FY 2022 and $1,194.9 million in FY 2023.

Ineligible Activities: Tax Offset Provision (States and territories only)

Item Amount

a. Revenue-reducing Covered Changes $ 0.00