SCCOG

The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments recently released a white paper on the topic of Public Act 21-1, which legalizes adult recreational cannabis use and retail sale. The paper titled Municipal Obligations Related to the Passage of Public Act 21-1: An Act Concerning Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis, establishes guidance for municipalities navigating the law’s land-use components, which include regulation through zoning and municipal ordinances.

The Southeastern Connecticut Council and the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) held a joint press conference on Friday, August 20th, regarding separate requests made by both councils of governments, to the Office of the Governor, for a statewide mask mandate.

Chief elected officials at both councils of governments broadly feel that a statewide mask mandate, which would replace individual municipal mandates allowed by Executive Order 13A, would better address the recent uptick in COVID-19 transmission in the State of Connecticut. Further, a statewide mandate would be consistent with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recommends in-part that all vaccinated and unvaccinated persons wear facial masks in indoor public places, in “high-transmission” areas; five of Connecticut’s eight counties, including New London County and “high-transmission” areas.

Press Conference Recordings:
Audio | Video

The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments has issued a statement strongly recommending the wearing of facial masks in all indoor places where people gather with others who are not members of their immediate household, in order to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Such gathering places include businesses, offices, restaurants, recreational facilities, entertainment venues, places of worship, and cultural institutions.

This recommendation is consistent with updated guidance of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued on July 27th, which encourages people living in high-transmission communities to wear masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of their vaccination status. The CDC labeled five of Connecticut’s eight counties, including New London County, as “high-transmission” areas, which have experienced a dramatic increase in the rate of infections over the past several weeks.

Full Statement by SCCOG (dated August 18)

The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments is seeking a Recovery Coordinator, a senior staff position responsible for leading all aspects of the implementation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the SCCOG.

Desired qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration. or a related field, plus 5 years’ experience, or a Bachelors’ degree, plus 7 years’ experience.

This position will be filled for the period of time during which ARPA funding is made available to the SCCOG (anticipate through 6/30/2025).

Full Job Description

The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, in coordination with the Town of North Stonington and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, engaged engineering firm Tighe & Bond to complete a Corridor Study of Connecticut State Route 2 in North Stonington, from Holly Green to the rotary at CT-2 and CT-184. The study identifies bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly improvements designed to enhance safety, accommodate a broad range of users, and support regional livability. For more information, contact Kate Rattan, project manager, at krattan@seccog.org.

Corridor Study Recommendations/Technical Memo

Corridor Study Presentation

The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments is seeking the services of an on-call transportation engineer or transportation engineering firm. A Request for Qualifications, including preliminary scope of work, consulting requirements, and submission instructions may be found below or at www.seccog.org/rfpq. Qualification Statements must be received by SCCOG no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2021.

Request for Qualifications (7/13/21)

Legal Notice (7/15/21)

Frequently Asked Questions (updated 7/15/21)

SCCOG and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) are now soliciting applications for funding under the federal Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (“Section 5310”). The Section 5310 program provides federal funding for capital and operating expenses to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants are public transit operators, municipalities, private non-profit organizations, and state governments.

Applications are due to both SCCOG and CT DOT by Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 4pm. The application is available below, and has also been posted to the state contracting portal: CTsource, via solicitation #2275. Please submit completed application to both Kate Rattan of SCCOG (krattan@seccog.org) and DOT.Section5310@ct.gov.

CT DOT Section 5310 webpage
Application materials and instructions
One-page flyer

SCCOG is currently seeking applicants for Planner II. Successful candidate will participate in comprehensive planning activities and functions; provide assistance to member municipalities; work in the Council’s transportation planning program. May attend night meetings.

Background Desired: Master’s in Planning or related field plus 1 year experience, or BA in Planning or related field and 3 years’ experience. As SCCOG serves as the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, the candidate’s previous experience in and willingness to increase knowledge about transportation planning will be critically evaluated.

Applications are due by June 18th. See the job description linked below for application instructions.

Planner II Job Description (5/18)

• Agenda
• Recordings: Audio | Video

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) is accepting comments on a draft feasibility study evaluating the potential for a passenger rail station in the Town of East Lyme’s village of Niantic, as well as proposed service changes to CT Transit bus service and rail services, including Shore Line East.

• Niantic rail station feasibility study public comment period: through May 31. Comment should be sent to Peter.Calcaterra@ct.gov
• Transit service change public comment period: through May 28. Virtual public hearings have been scheduled. Visit link for more information, including comment instructions.