July 17, 2025| Issue 7

The CRCOG Connection

Connect. Engage. Share.

CRCOG on LinkedIn | CRCOG on X | CRCOG on Facebook | CRCOG on YouTube

Hope you're staying cool and enjoying summer!

Did you know Suffield was once spelled “Suthfield”? Or that it was part of the Equivalent Lands compromise with Massachusetts back in 1715–1716?

Today, Suffield is home to about 15,752 residents, according to the 2020 Census and operates under a Town Meeting form of government, where you have a direct say in local decisions.

This newsletter is 836 words and is approximately an 6.5-minute read.

We’re hiring! Apply today and help spread the word!

We’re hiring and we need your help! Do you know any standout candidates? Send them our way! We’re looking for a dynamic, collaborative, and experienced Senior Transportation Engineer and entry level Transportation Planner to join our team.

Spread the word, or better yet—apply today.

New Name, Same Trusted Service—IP Genie is Now CCi Voice

Since 2015, IP Genie has delivered secure, scalable, and affordable VoIP services to schools, municipalities, and libraries across Connecticut. In 2024, IP Genie joined forces with CCi Voice—combining two trusted Connecticut-based providers into one expert source for communication solutions.

Read the full article.

East Coast Greenway Study – Draft Plan is LIVE!

Check out our proposed off-road route to close the 12-mile gap through Bloomfield, Hartford, and East Hartford. Our draft study document is available for review, and we are accepting public comments until August 8. Review the plan and comment via our project website: https://crcog.org/capitol-region-ecg-study/ or email Caitlin Palmer.

It’s Parks and Recreation Month! Let’s Build and Play Together

July is Park and Recreation Month — and this year, we’re celebrating 40 years of honoring the spaces and people who help us connect, play, and grow together.

This year’s theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” is a heartfelt reminder of the incredible work done by over 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals, along with countless part-time staff and volunteers. These are the people who make sure our parks stay beautiful, our programs stay active, and our communities stay connected. To all the dedicated individuals working behind the scenes, thank you.

Take a moment this month to show your appreciation, whether it’s a simple thank you, a visit to your local park, or sharing your favorite park memory. It all matters.

Not following us on YouTube? You’re missing out!

We have some stories to tell, and we're embracing videos to share them. Not following us on YouTube? You’re missing the action—subscribe now and see how we’re building a better region, one project and video at a time!

Learn about our programs in our #CRCOGWhat series – Episode 1
Learn about our people in our #DayIntheLife series – Meet Sonya
Learn how to build your emergency preparedness kit – Get Ready, Make Your Emergency Preparedness Kit

We encourage you to follow us on social media, too! Join us on:

CRCOG Anniversaries

We’re incredibly grateful to our employees. Their dedication, talent, and hard work impacts what we do in our region. It is felt every day, and we’re so lucky to have you as part of our team and this journey. Congratulations to Cheryl (26 years), Mike (11 years), Sotoria (9 years), and Dagmar (1 year). Thank you for everything you do!

CRCOG Funding Opportunities

State and Federal Funding Opportunities

The June Funding Newsletter is out! View the archives. Contact Elizabeth Sanderson for more information or to share specific information about a project that you need funding for. Here are some opportunities that will be featured in the next edition:

US DOT has announced several opportunities, including:
Bridge Investment Program (BIP) - an amendment was posted to the Large Bridge Project Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), with applications focused on fixing bridges with total eligible costs greater than $100M due by August 1. View CRCOG’s interactive map to see what bridges in your municipality may be eligible.
Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program (SS4A) is back, with nearly $1B available for Planning and Demonstration or Implementation Grants. Grant applications are due by June 26, and CRCOG is here to help. Templates and guidance documents are available to member municipalities on request.
Connecticut Education Network (CEN) is accepting applications for the Community Wi-Fi Grant Program. This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen internet infrastructure in public spaces (including outdoors). $10M is available to a variety of public and non-profit agencies. Attend the webinar on June 18 and apply by June 30.
CTDEEP has several open funding opportunities:
The ConneCTed Communities Grant program seeks to bring quality, reliable internet services to communities across Connecticut. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
The Sustainable Materials Management Grant Program seeks to support municipalities through sustainable waste management and diversion programs and services. Up to $7.5M in funding is available in this round. Applications are due by June 27.

See the Requests for Your Input section of the Funding Newsletter to share your thoughts with CRCOG and state agencies that are seeking to improve services such as broadband infrastructure, data systems, and transportation. Visit CRCOG’s BIL/IIJA web page for summaries of many funding opportunities.

MetroHartford Brownfields Program

CRCOG was awarded $750,000 in supplemental funding from the EPA for the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Program (RLF). Stay tuned for more information about an application solicitation for environmental remediation projects. In the meantime, contact Elizabeth Sanderson or Sonya Carrizales to learn more.