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The City of New Haven is excited to announce the award of a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Program. This grant will support efforts to eliminate physical barriers and restore connectivity between neighborhoods along I-91, spanning from Long Wharf to Fair Haven.

Specifically, this grant will support a comprehensive planning study that will explore strategies to reconnect New Haven neighborhoods including rerouting or removing highway exits in order to unlock land for affordable housing while improving pedestrian, cyclist, and traffic safety. This project will also examine ways to transform underutilized highway spaces into vibrant public areas and incorporate climate resilience measures.

A large team worked diligently to apply for this competitive grant. The City of New Haven is thankful and appreciative of New Haven’s Federal and State Delegations for their support and work to secure this funding including Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Senator Chris Murphy, Senator Richard Blumenthal, State Representative Toni Walker, State Representative Juan Candelaria and State Representative Alphonse Paolillo Jr. Invaluable contributions were also made by the New Haven Board of Alders, particularly Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith, the Southern Connecticut Regional Council of Governments, and New Haven residents and community organizations.

This collaborative endeavor marks a significant step in undoing the damage of Urban Renewal and working toward reconnecting neighborhoods, reclaiming land for housing and development, and creating a safer, more inclusive future for New Haven. 

A press conference will be held later this month to provide detailed information grant and the upcoming planning study.

Below: Views of New Haven before and after the construction of I-91.