December 29, 2011

GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES FIVE MORE TOWNS RECEIVING STEAP AWARDS

Tolland, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Chaplin and Columbia Secure Funding for Projects

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy is visiting five Connecticut towns today to announce Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants. Tolland, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Chaplin and Columbia will receive funding to undertake capital improvement projects.

"Traveling around Connecticut to announce these grants is a great opportunity to see the hard work local officials are doing to strengthen our small towns," said Governor Malloy. "I commend them for their leadership on behalf of the residents they serve, and for the commitment to ensuring these important projects get done. These initiatives represent the partnership between state government and our citizens, and are an important component of strengthening our statewide economy."

Tolland was awarded $394,350 to construct an ADA-compliant multi-use concession facility at Cross Farms Recreational Complex. This is the final phase of the project that will also later include an ADA-accessible playground.

Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman said, "Tolland appreciates the Governor's attention to the project here and those around the state. These STEAP funds will help complete work that has been ongoing for a decade, and will be a great benefit to families from Tolland and around Connecticut."

"I am very pleased these small towns have been chosen to receive STEAP grants. They have a history of utilizing the grants for practical matters of infrastructure and safety. Our small Eastern Connecticut communities like many towns around the state are dealing with harsh economic times and this money will be extremely helpful," said Senator Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford).

"This is a great investment of state resources which will expand the accessibility to this quality facility," said State Representative Bryan Hurlburt (D-Ashford, Tolland, Willington). "I commend the Governor for his decision and welcome his continued commitment to all Connecticut residents."

Pomfret was awarded $500,000 to design and construct an emergency response center that will house Ambulance Service, the town emergency operations center and local constables. The new space will also have conference rooms and offices for the first responders. This project is expected to create or retain 10-12 jobs.

Brooklyn was awarded $500,000 for roadway improvements on Allen Hill Road and South Street, including the installation of guardrails. This project will improve road conditions and drainage on five miles of deteriorating road.

Senator Don Williams said, "This project is a perfect example of how targeted state funding can spur job creation, upgrade local infrastructure and improve safety conditions. Additionally, this state investment will save local property tax dollars for Brooklyn residents."

"These are challenging times for municipalities across the state," said Representative Mike Alberts (R- Woodstock). "The STEAP program provides much needed opportunities for communities like Brooklyn to receive funding for critical projects. I'm pleased the Governor has recognized the need to award these funds to improve the infrastructure in Brooklyn."

The town of Chaplin was awarded $300,000 to design, plan and reconstruct Darling Pond Dam in Garrison Park. The dam needs extensive rehabilitation including increasing the height to deter erosion and overflow. It provides access for fire/emergency crews and for the hiking trails on the Joshua Trust property.

"I appreciate the Governor coming to Chaplin to personally deliver this great news," said State Representative Gregg Haddad (D-Chaplin, Mansfield). "This STEAP grant goes a long way and means quite a bit in a small town like Chaplin."

Columbia was awarded $160,000 to rebuild and widen the Pucker Street Bridge over the Hop River. The town has been using a temporary one-lane bridge since the early 1980s. The new bridge will improve roadway conditions over the Hop River.

"I'm positively delighted by the governor's favorable action on our application for this STEAP grant so we can now rebuild the Pucker Street bridge and restore it to two lanes," Senator Edith G. Prague (D-Columbia) said. "This project has lingered as long as it has because of the cost: modest by some standards but expensive considering Columbia's annual budget. We're grateful for this $160,000 grant and the prospect for this new Hope River crossing."

"This is a critical project that meets the safety and transportation needs of our community," said Representative Tim Ackert. "I would like to thank the Governor for making funding available through STEAP and the taxpayers of Coventry and Columbia for committing to this long overdue project."

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For Immediate Release: December 29, 2011

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy