By Tiffany Williams –
Governors across New England rolled out major state actions aimed at protecting farmers, rebuilding rural infrastructure, reducing winter energy bills, strengthening freight rail safety and reshaping health care oversight.
Connecticut secured nearly $53 million in federal disaster aid for farmers who suffered severe weather losses and awarded almost $10 million for transportation projects in nine rural communities.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed an executive order directing $28 million toward residential electricity bill relief as households prepare for a sharp winter rate increase, while also ceremonially signing legislation requiring two-person crews on freight trains.
In Vermont, Governor Phil Scott announced an upcoming leadership transition at the Green Mountain Care Board as the state prepares to begin its search for a new chair of the powerful health care regulatory agency.
The announcements stretch across three states, but they are linked by a common challenge facing New England leaders: how to respond when rising costs, severe weather, aging infrastructure and essential public services collide.
Connecticut Farmers Move Closer to Long-Awaited Disaster Relief
Connecticut farmers who suffered tens of millions of dollars in losses from floods, frost, hail, drought and other severe weather events are now one step closer to receiving long-awaited financial relief.
Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt and members of the state’s Congressional delegation announced that the Connecticut Department of Agriculture has received a fully executed agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture establishing a $52.9 million Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant.
The money will be available to eligible Connecticut farmers who experienced documented losses during severe weather events in 2023 and 2024.
More than 200 farms reported an estimated $72 million in losses during that two-year period.
Those losses followed late frost and freeze events, historic flooding along the Connecticut River Valley in 2023, flooding in western Connecticut in 2024, hail, drought and the cumulative effects of excessive moisture and dry conditions.
The damage did not stop with lost crops.
Farmers experienced reductions in harvestable production, yield and crop quality, along with infrastructure damage, equipment losses and increased production costs.
The grant is intended to fill gaps left by traditional crop insurance programs that state and federal officials said have not always addressed the realities facing small and midsized New England farms.
“Connecticut’s farms not only provide fresh, nutritious food for the people of our state, but they also are small businesses that support thousands of jobs and are a critical component of our economy,” Governor Lamont said. “When severe weather events impact their land and wipe out their crops, we need to stand by them to ensure these farms can recover and continue operating. I am glad that our administration, through the efforts of Commissioner Hurlburt and his team at the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, along with our state’s Congressional delegation, were able to work together to secure these valuable federal funds on behalf of our agricultural businesses.”
Under the program, farmers earning at least $1,000 in farm income and reporting at least $500 in documented weather-related losses from 2023 or 2024 will be eligible to apply.
Payments may cover as much as 95% of eligible losses.
Awards cannot exceed $1 million per year for each category.
Any crop insurance payments or other third-party compensation previously received will be deducted from the grant amount.
Farmers will have two opportunities to apply.
The first application round is anticipated to open in September.
A second round is expected in late fall.
State officials are strongly encouraging farmers to submit their information during the first application period.
Payments will be issued after each round closes.
“Our farmers feed Connecticut, and when severe weather wipes out a season’s harvest, the damage ripples through our local economies,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “I’ve seen that impact firsthand on farm visits across the state. This block grant delivers real, targeted assistance to the people who grow our food, and I’m grateful to our federal delegation and Commissioner Hurlburt for the work they put in to deliver this relief to our local farmers.”
The announcement was made at Cecarelli’s Harrison Hill Farm in Northford.
The farm was among the Connecticut agricultural businesses affected by the severe weather events.
“Today’s announcement of the Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant signed agreement marks an important milestone for our agricultural community,” Commissioner Hurlburt said. “This program is designed with farmers at its core, and I strongly encourage all eligible farmers across the state to apply during the first round so we can begin delivering assistance as soon as possible. I’m incredibly proud of our team at the Connecticut Department of Agriculture for their steadfast dedication to this project and our federal delegation, the farmer focus group, and all of industry partners, who worked hard to build a strong program that serves farmers today and supports the long-term vitality of agriculture in Connecticut.”
William Dellacamera, owner of Cecarelli’s Harrison Hill Farm, said the grant recognizes the unique challenges faced by smaller agricultural operations in Connecticut and across New England.
“Connecticut and the other New England states are built on small and midsized farms, and for years the traditional crop insurance programs simply haven’t fit the realities we face,” William Dellacamera, owner of Cecarelli’s Harrison Hill Farm, said. “As weather becomes more unpredictable, dependable support will be essential for every part of agriculture. While the process to obtain this assistance has been a long one, those who truly need it are grateful. We know how many people worked hard behind the scenes to make it happen and we appreciate every one of them. I, and many other impacted farmers, look forward to utilizing these funds to remain viable and keep feeding our communities.”
Connecticut’s Congressional delegation worked to secure the targeted assistance through a disaster supplemental funding bill.
That legislation created the Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant to address deficiencies in existing crop insurance programs.
“This $52.9 million in federal aid provides long overdue and much needed relief to the Connecticut farmers impacted by 2023 and 2024’s devastating storms,” Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “I saw firsthand the damage and distress these storms caused farmers—destroying their crops and property and threatening their livelihoods. I am proud to have fought to secure this relief and will keep fighting to support the small farms that are essential to Connecticut’s economy and culture.”
“Connecticut’s small farmers have needed help for a long time,” Senator Chris Murphy said. “Not only have they endured the fallout of natural disaster, Trump’s policies are pushing farmers into full-blown crisis. For more than a year and a half, our delegation has fought to get millions in approved funding out of D.C. and into Connecticut farmers’ pockets. I’m relieved the federal government is finally making good on its promise to help make our farmers whole.”
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro said the agreement moves the federal money closer to reaching affected farmers.
“I am proud that nearly $53 million in federal funds are now one big step closer to putting money in the pockets of Connecticut farmers,” Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro said. “After severe hailstorms and floods devastated farms in Connecticut, I worked to create this historic block grant tailored to the needs of New England farmers. It is through the devoted advocacy of farmers like my constituent, Willie Dellacamera, my colleagues in the Connecticut Congressional delegation who helped write and pass this law, Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Hurlburt’s work in finalizing a contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Governor Lamont’s leadership that this grant has moved forward, and Connecticut now has the power to deliver aid to our farmers that desperately need it.”
“When our region’s small family farms were hit with severe flooding and frost—some of whom have worked the same soil for over 400 years—I was proud to help lead the charge with the federal delegation to secure relief funding through a package that directly accommodates the needs of Connecticut’s farmers,” Congressman John B. Larson said. “It’s an honor to join my colleagues, along with Governor Lamont and Commissioner Hurlburt, to announce an agreement that takes a consequential step closer to ensuring our state’s growers are made whole for the losses they incurred. The Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant is a first-of-its-kind program that delivers relief dollars to farmers while removing the federal barriers that have consistently prevented our small- and medium-sized farmers from receiving any disaster aid. I will continue to work with state leaders to ensure our farmers receive the financial relief they deserve as soon as possible.”
“For years Connecticut farmers have absorbed devastating losses from extreme weather events, while traditional crop insurance programs have left them behind,” Congresswoman Jahana Hayes said. “This block grant will bring targeted relief to farmers to address these gaps. I am pleased to have worked with my colleagues in the Connecticut delegation to ensure farmers across our state get the assistance they need.”
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture expects the application period to begin in early fall.
Payments are expected to start in late fall.
Farmers who suffered losses are being encouraged to begin gathering records and documentation immediately and to register for updates before the application portal opens.
Nearly $10 Million Awarded for Rural Transportation Projects
Connecticut officials also announced nearly $10 million in transportation grants for nine rural communities through the Transportation Rural Improvement Program.
The state-funded program, known as TRIP, was created to support smaller communities that are often ineligible for federal transportation programs.
The latest round will finance bridge replacements, roadway reconstruction, drainage repairs, culvert improvements, sidewalks and pedestrian safety projects.
“Too often, our smaller towns get left behind when it comes to federal transportation dollars, simply because of their size. We established TRIP to change that,” Governor Lamont said. “What makes Connecticut special is as much about our small towns as it is our cities, and they deserve the same commitment to safety and infrastructure. This round of funding will make roads safer and neighborhoods more connected for generations to come.”
Canaan will receive $561,600 to replace Bridge No. 21007 on Cobble Road over Wangum Lake Brook.
The project will replace the existing bridge and culvert with a larger structure intended to improve hydraulic capacity and access between Upper Mountain Road and Huntsville-South Canaan Road, also known as Route 63.
Chaplin will receive $1,938,092 for drainage improvements and full-depth reclamation along the entire 1.4-mile length of Lynch Road, including the Chewink Road intersection.
The work is intended to improve safety, resiliency and the long-term performance of the roadway.
Haddam will receive $864,760 for a sidewalk and multi-use trail project in Higganum Village North.
The project will link 36 units of approved and financed affordable senior housing, the resident trooper’s office, town offices and the Senior and Community Center with commercial uses in the Village Center.
The approximately 0.75-mile route along Saybrook Road will connect the northern and southern commercial districts and provide an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant trail.
Kent will receive $920,800 for the third phase of reconstruction work on Bulls Bridge Road.
The project will include roadway surface, drainage and pavement structure improvements and is intended to improve connections to South Kent School and the Bulls Bridge Golf Course.
Marlborough will receive $508,780 to replace a corrugated metal pipe with a box culvert on South Road between Bull Hill Road and Millstone Drive.
The replacement is designed to prevent road closures and overtopping during heavy storms.
North Canaan will receive $1.85 million for resurfacing, drainage improvements and culvert rehabilitation along West Main Street, Bragg Street and Pease Street.
The 1.66-mile corridor connects Route 7 with municipal and school facilities and stretches from the Route 44 intersection to the Massachusetts state line.
Preston will receive $1,665,132 to resurface and widen approximately 1.25 miles of Roosevelt Avenue Extension.
The project will address safety hazards and improve connections between Preston and Norwich while supporting residential, agricultural, emergency and energy facility access.
Scotland will receive $736,500 to replace Bridge No. 123003 on Kemp Road over Kimball Pond Brook and reconstruct approximately 0.20 miles of roadway.
Washington will receive $856,800 for sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements near the Titus Road retail area and Washington Depot.
The project is designed to connect retail, municipal and recreational facilities along portions of Route 47 and Route 109.
“Every town in Connecticut deserves resources to keep its roads and residents safe, regardless of population size,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “Since we launched TRIP in 2022, millions have been invested into the state’s rural communities. This latest round continues that momentum, giving nine more towns needed resources to improve safety and mobility in their communities.”
The Lamont administration established TRIP in 2022.
The first round of awards was announced in January 2024.
The second round was announced in June 2025.
Since the program began, approximately $30 million has been awarded to 27 projects.
Rhode Island Orders Emergency Relief as Winter Electric Rates Surge
Governor Dan McKee signed an executive order directing $28 million in emergency assistance toward residential electric bills after Rhode Island Energy announced a double-digit winter price increase.
McKee signed the order at United Way of Rhode Island, an organization that works with residents struggling to pay their utility bills.
The executive order declares that Rhode Island is facing an energy affordability crisis driven by some of the highest electricity rates in the country, years of rising utility expenses and growing financial pressure on working families.
The administration said global energy disruptions, unexpectedly high regional electricity market costs and other factors are expected to drive residential rates even higher during the winter.
“Rhode Islanders have been pushed to the breaking point on energy costs,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Families in our state are paying some of the highest electric bills in the nation and now face another double-digit increase this winter. Too many residents are already choosing between paying the electric bill, buying groceries, or filling a prescription. This Executive Order takes immediate action to protect Rhode Islanders from this energy affordability crisis when they need it most, while we continue fighting for the long-term reforms needed to bring energy costs down.”
The order directs the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources to take immediate action before the Public Utilities Commission.
The agency will seek permission to use $28 million in available Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative funds as direct credits for every residential electric customer.
The credits would reach more than 450,000 households during the peak winter heating months.
The administration said the average residential customer would receive approximately $61 in total credits.
Officials said the credits would fully offset the rate increase during the three most expensive winter months for an average customer.
Rhode Island Energy announced a winter electricity price increase of approximately 15% compared with the previous winter.
The administration said the increase would produce bills more than 21% higher than those Rhode Islanders are paying during the summer.
Rhode Island has the fourth-highest residential electricity rates in the country, according to information released by the administration.
Rates have increased by more than 25% during the last three years.
Residential electric accounts more than 90 days past due have increased by more than 40% since May 2023.
The average balance owed has nearly doubled.
The administration cited U.S. Census Bureau information indicating that more than one-third of Rhode Island adults reported reducing spending on basic necessities such as food or medicine to pay an energy bill.
United Way Rhode Island reported a nearly 20% increase in cold-weather utility assistance requests between 2024 and 2025.
Its 2-1-1 line received more than 5,700 energy-related calls during May and June 2026.
That was nearly five times the number received during the same period one year earlier.
The 2025 Rhode Island Life Index found that more than nine in 10 Rhode Islanders believe difficulty paying utility bills is a challenge facing their community.
The executive order also points to increased crude oil and liquefied natural gas prices associated with the conflict involving Iran.
New England relies heavily on imported liquefied natural gas during periods of peak winter demand.
The administration also cited persistent inflation, federal tariffs and unexpectedly high regional electricity market expenses.
ISO New England’s Day-Ahead Ancillary Services Initiative was projected to cost approximately $140 million in its first year.
The administration said it instead reached nearly $974 million, increasing costs passed to Rhode Island ratepayers.
McKee has previously used more than $15 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative funds to help low-income Rhode Islanders with electricity bills.
The executive order expands the use of those funds to all residential electric customers in the state.
The administration said using the money for emergency relief will not interrupt existing Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative projects or programs.
Rhode Island is joining other participating states that have used the funding to lower utility bills, including Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia.
The administration said New Jersey declared an energy affordability emergency in January 2026 and directed available resources toward ratepayer assistance.
“Emergency relief is needed now, but Rhode Island also needs lasting solutions,” said Governor McKee. “That’s why we are taking action to protect families this winter while continuing the work to build a more affordable energy future for our state.”
The administration said the order follows a series of other state actions intended to reduce utility costs.
As part of the fiscal year 2027 budget and the governor’s Affordability for All agenda, the state secured reforms expected to save Rhode Islanders approximately $500 million over five years.
Those changes include eliminating certain utility shareholder bonus payments, expanding access to lower-cost energy sources such as nuclear power and large-scale hydropower, and reducing near-term costs associated with net metering and utility paving projects.
The McKee administration, through the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, also negotiated a proposed settlement with Rhode Island Energy parent company PPL.
The settlement could return more than $160 million to ratepayers if it receives final approval from the Public Utilities Commission.
Other actions included suspending the gross receipts tax on energy bills, which the administration said saved approximately $37 million.
The state also urged the Public Utilities Commission to reduce the energy efficiency charge on electric bills, producing an estimated $20 million in savings.
McKee has directed nearly $15 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative funds over several years to protect Rhode Islanders considered most vulnerable to increasing winter energy expenses.
“United Way of Rhode Island sees firsthand what rising utility costs are doing to working families across our state—utility assistance requests through 211 jumped 315% year-over-year, and Good Neighbor Energy Fund requests rose 354%,” said Cortney Nicolato, President & CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “While these Fund dollars are built for next season, the need we’re seeing right now can’t wait — United Way is here for you now. If you’re facing a shutoff notice, call 211 today. You are not alone.”
“Westbay Community Action sees firsthand the impact that rising utility costs have on our working families, seniors, and those living on fixed incomes,” said Paul Salera, the President & CEO of Westbay Community Action & Co-President of the RI Community Action Association. “This investment will provide immediate relief and help to ensure that these households can keep their heat on while meeting other basic needs during the upcoming winter months.”
“The Governor has made energy affordability an urgent priority. As the state’s ratepayer advocate, our agency works hard every day to protect Rhode Islanders, and struggling families in particular, from unreasonable utility costs as we see firsthand the fall-out when ratepayers fall irreversibly behind on their bills,” said Linda George, Administrator of Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers. “This Executive Order makes good on the Governor’s promise to provide immediate help in the near term to ALL – all while working to implement long-term remedial measures that lessen the energy burdens for hardworking Rhode Islanders.”
“Today’s action reflects the need to address an extraordinary affordability challenge facing individuals and families this upcoming winter with their electricity bills,” said Acting OER Commissioner Chris Kearns. “Rhode Island can meet this moment while we continue OER’s solar, electrification, energy storage, heat pump and clean transportation rebate program investments for Rhode Islanders.”
“Today’s announcement represents an important step in helping Rhode Islanders manage their day-to-day costs of living,” said Department of Human Services Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito. “We all know that it is increasingly more difficult to make ends meet while ensuring we put food on the table, gas in the car, and make preparations for the upcoming heating season. This plan offers some needed relief in the midst of ongoing economic burdens and hopefully will provide a necessary boost for our residents.”
Rhode Island Requires Two-Person Crews on Freight Trains
McKee also held a ceremonial bill signing at the Pawtucket and Central Falls train station for legislation requiring at least two crew members to operate trains or light engines carrying freight.
The legislation was sponsored by Representative Matthew Dawson and Senator Lammis Vargas.
Representatives from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and SMART-TD attended the event.
The legislation establishes a minimum two-person crew requirement for freight train operations in Rhode Island.
“Requiring two crew members on a train carrying freight is a commonsense safety measure,” said Governor McKee. “If an issue arises on a delivery route, you need two crew members on board—one to operate the train and a second person to address the problem.”
“This is commonsense public safety legislation,” said Representative Matthew S. Dawson (D-Dist. 65, East Providence). “Just like commercial airliners are required to have two licensed pilots on every plane, freight trains, which can consist of dozens or even hundreds of cars carrying heavy and sometimes hazardous loads, shouldn’t be entirely reliant on a single individual.”
“Most, but not all, freight railroad companies abide by the standard in our bill,” Senator Lammis Vargas (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence) added. “However, as technology has evolved, they have been able to whittle staff on each train significantly, and trains in other parts of the country have been operated by a crew of just one. This bill ensures that doesn’t happen in Rhode Island, particularly since we have freight trains running through some of our most heavily populated communities.”
“Codifying the two-person crew industry standard may seem like a commonsense approach to railroading, but in a world full of corporate greed and wage theft, it isn’t,” said Daniel Cadogan, Chairman of the New England Legislative Board of the Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. “Railroads around the country have exploited the federal government’s lack of safety regulations in the industry, but because of this legislation and the hard work and support of many people, including Governor McKee, it’s not happening in Rhode Island.”
“We are proud to play a part in the passage of a two-person crew requirement in Rhode Island,” said Dave Stevenson, New England Safety and Legislative Director of SMART-TD. “This is a measure that will preserve the integrity and the safety of freight services for years to come.”
Vermont Prepares for Green Mountain Care Board Leadership Change
Governor Phil Scott announced upcoming leadership changes at the Green Mountain Care Board as Vermont prepares to choose the next chair of one of the state’s most powerful health care regulatory bodies.
Board member Jessica Holmes decided not to seek reappointment after completing her second six-year term on September 30.
Scott appointed Owen Foster to fill the vacancy that will be created by Holmes’ departure.
Foster has served as chair of the Green Mountain Care Board since 2022.
He requested to move into the vacant board member position.
Foster will continue serving as chair through September 30.
He will transition to the board member position on October 1 following Holmes’ departure.
“I want to thank Jessica for over a decade of dedicated service to Vermonters,” said Governor Phil Scott. “Since her appointment to the board in 2014, she’s brought a thoughtful, analytical perspective to some of the most difficult healthcare policy challenges facing our state. I appreciate her willingness to serve, including as interim chair, and thank her for the professionalism, integrity, and public service she’s demonstrated.”
The Green Mountain Care Board Nominating Committee will begin the statutory process of recruiting and recommending candidates to serve as the board’s next chair.
“I appreciate Owen’s willingness to continue serving the people of Vermont,” Governor Scott said. “He’s been an effective leader as we work to make healthcare more affordable for Vermonters, and I believe he’ll continue to be a valuable member of the board in this new role.”
Scott encouraged the nominating committee to search for candidates with demonstrated executive leadership experience, sound judgment and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
He also called for candidates with a proven ability to improve organizational performance while balancing health care access, quality, affordability and long-term financial sustainability.
The Green Mountain Care Board was established by the Vermont Legislature in 2011.
The board regulates major components of the state’s health care system.
Its authority includes hospital budgets, health insurance rates, certificates of need, health care quality and data initiatives.
The board’s next chair will inherit a central role in Vermont’s effort to transform its health care system while balancing the cost of care with access, quality and long-term financial stability.