BONDING FOR BRIDGE
A big step forward for a planned Coast Guard Museum in downtown New London. The state bond commission today approved 19-point-5 million dollars for a pedestrian bridge that will lead to the museum site on Water Street. Governor Dannel Malloy, who chairs the bond commission, says the funding is expected to spur more donations to the museum construction. The bridge will span Water Street, connecting the city-owned parking garage with the Amtrak station, Cross Sound ferry terminal, and the museum. The bridge funding is expected to lead to a signed contract between the State and the National Coast Guard Museum Association.
ELECTION SECURITY MONEY
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – Connecticut is receiving $5.1 million from the federal government to help secure the state’s voter registration system. Democratic U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Secretary of the State Denise Merrill announced the funding on Friday. It’s part of a $380 million federal initiative. Despite a “very real” threat of foreign interference, Merrill says Connecticut’s election cybersecurity is strong and has already “successfully repelled an attempt by agents of the Russian government.” She says the new federal funds will help the state reinforce and bolster those cybersecurity efforts. The federal funds can be used for things like replacing outdated voting machines and upgrading computer systems. Blumenthal notes how many states have voter registration systems that are at least 10 years old, creating a potential risk.
JUDGE VACANCIES
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is reducing the number of vacancies on the Connecticut bench, but still plans to leave more than 20 superior court judgeships unfilled by the end of his final term in office. The Democrat on Friday nominated 14 state residents to become superior court judges. That’s in addition to 16 nominees he announced last week. Malloy says the men and women he chose “will bring to the bench the diverse qualities that mirror the people of our state,” while also meeting high principles and integrity. As of Friday, there were 45 vacancies on the court. That number is projected to increase to 51 by the end of 2018 due to judicial retirements. With these 30 new appointments, there will be 21 openings. Malloy leaves office in January.
