The Naugatuck Valley Economic Development District has received a $400,000 federal grant.  The money from the CARES Act, coronavirus relief funding, will be used to implement the necessary economic development strategies required to address the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic in the region.  The 19-town region includes: Bethlehem, Watertown, Woodbury, Southbury, Oxford, and Seymour. Ansonia, Derby and Shelton, Thomaston, Plymouth, Bristol, Middlebury, Waterbury, Wolcott, Naugatuck, Prospect, Cheshire, and Beacon Falls are also part of the region.  4th District Congressman Jim Himes says the pandemic has been devastating for many Southwest Connecticut communities, but this will help combat the economic havoc --and encourage growth and recovery. 5th District Congresswoman Jahana Hayes says these federal dollars will provide a robust boost to support state and local efforts to protect public health.