Politics & Government

Federal Shutdown Could Have Impacts in Newtown

With the federal government shut down, at least for now, Newtown officials say the town could likely face some impact in the near future. While First Selectman Pat Llodra says "programs, initiatives and activities" could be affected, she says it's hard to say what this could mean 48 hours into the shutdown.

But town officials say it will throw a wrench in the lines of communication regarding the federal grants the town has received since Dec. 14.

At a Board of Education meeting Tuesday night, school business director Ron Bienkowski said the school would be in the dark with their federal contact for the SERV (School Emergency Response to Violence) program that awarded the school $1.3 million in May.

"The representative is not in the office anymore -- he's been furloughed," Bienkowski said. He told board members the local positions funded by the grant, including Sandy Hook interim assistant principal Brian Kirmil, will still be paid.

Meanwhile, officials are anticipating roadblocks as they negotiate the details of the $150,000 Department of Justice grant awarded to the town last week.

"I know we'll have immediate impact just in terms of delay," Llodra said. "Certainly we're still grappling with what the grant is and what it will cover ... That's come to a halt. We won't be able to get more clarity until the shutdown is over."

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Llodra also said conversations with the Environmental Protection Agency over demolition of Danbury Hall and staff houses at Fairfield Hills would have to wait until the shutdown is resolved.


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