BRIDGEPORT – What started out as a gesture of kindness between two New England mayors turned into a social media nightmare for Bridgeport’s top elected official.
After Monday’s blizzard buried Bridgeport with nearly 1 foot of snow and Providence, Rhode Island with about 4 feet of the white stuff, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley reached out to Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim for help.
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Ganim’s office announced that the City of Bridgeport would help Providence in its task to remove its nearly 48 inches of snow. “Earlier today, Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence notified me and many other mayors in Connecticut about the incredible amount of snow they received.
“After hearing that Providence received 39 inches to 48 inches of snow, the City of Bridgeport has decided we will do our best to offer whatever assistance we can to Providence. Bridgeport will assist with locating snow removal equipment and will also help locate hirable contractors to remove snow.”
After receiving numerous complaints from Bridgeport residents whose streets had still not been cleared of the snow, Ganim amended his original press release with the following language: “The City of Bridgeport clarifies that we are NOT sharing or sending equipment, crew or contractors out of Bridgeport as they are focused 24/7 on our cleanup.”
To be clear, in Ganim’s original statement he did say that while the City would be assisting Providence, Bridgeport residents are the first priority.
In the end Gov. Ned Lamont interceded to help out Providence and other towns in Rhode Island and part of Massachusetts. He announced the state Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has provided 80 pieces of equipment, including trucks and snowblowers, and 125 trained drivers and mechanics from all four CTDOT maintenance districts.
They were dispatched from Connecticut beginning at 3 a.m. on Thursday, Feb.26, and are expected to work 24-hour shifts through at least Sunday, March 1. The exact time CTDOT personnel will return to Connecticut is to be determined and will be dependent on the possibility of inclement weather early next week, according to a press release.
“Connecticut is prepared to support our neighbors in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and deliver aid to help in the clean-up from this blizzard,” Gov. Lamont said. “Our CTDOT crews worked around the clock in the storm’s aftermath to get Connecticut’s roads clear and safe for all travelers, and I appreciate that they have accepted this mission to provide support to our neighbors. Their tireless dedication and commitment makes us proud.”
