Hartford, CT – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-4) announced $50,000 in federal funding to the Western Connecticut Council of Governments from the Economic Development Administration to support the development and implementation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the western region.  The strategy will provide the region with a long term plan to grow middle class jobs and integrate disadvantaged communities into the workforce.

“Economic development planning is essential for building stronger communities and creating highly-skilled, good-paying jobs. This is a wise federal investment that will go a long way in bringing economic revitalization to the Western Connecticut region, and we look forward to the positive impact that it will have on our state,” said Blumenthal, Murphy, and Himes

"With this award, EDA is laying the groundwork for the continued economic success of the region. WestCOG thanks EDA for this investment in the region's future and looks forward to working with them and its partners on the creation of a regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy,” said Francis Pickering, Western Connecticut Council of Governments Executive Director.

 ###