December 27, 2011

GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES STEAP GRANTS FOR TOWNS IN CENTRAL CONNECTICUT

Berlin, Cromwell, Middlefield, Portland, Southington Receive Capital Improvement Funding

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the towns of Berlin, Cromwell, Middlefield, Portland and Southington have each been awarded Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants for various capital improvement projects.

"These capital grants are important for many towns as they look to make repairs to critical infrastructure or promote economic development," said Governor Malloy. "At a time budgets are stretched to the limit, we can and must maintain our commitment to improving the overall quality of life for our residents."

Berlin: $500,000 for Berlin Veterans Memorial Park project

The Town of Berlin will receive a $500,000 grant to construct phase II of the Berlin Veterans Memorial Park Project. The park will be expanded to a rehabilitated brownfield - a former town landfill, material storage yard and sand and salt storage area. Improvements will include a small parking area, walkways, plantings, a picnic area and an area for outdoor community activities.

"I'm very pleased that state funds have been approved for the completion of this project. The Memorial Park is a moving tribute to our veterans, and it's clear that the people of Berlin honor their fighting men and women," State Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain) said. "The fact that the park is located between the American Legion and the VFW is also very significant, and I think it sets a nice theme for our area veterans."

"The $500,000 STEAP grant for Berlin is great news for our town," State Representative Joseph Aresimowicz (D-Berlin, Southington) said. "Construction of phase II of the Berlin Veterans Memorial project is an important investment for our community that is shared by all our residents."

State Representative Cathy Abercrombie (D-Meriden, Berlin) said, "I'm thankful that Governor Malloy recognizes the importance of continuing the work on the Berlin Veteran's Memorial Park. This funding will help our town in several ways: it provides an economic boost, enhances an important public asset and contributes to community building."

Cromwell: $500,000 for County Line Road and Route 3

The Town of Cromwell will receive a $500,000 grant for the development of the Cromwell Industrial Park and to improve County Line Road and Connecticut Route 3. Funding will be used to improve the converted transfer station driveway, now County Line Road, to meet local public road specifications, and to improve Route 3 to manage increased traffic flow from future development.

"This is a targeted state investment in the infrastructure needs of Cromwell residents as well as planning for future economic development in town," State Senator Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield) said. "I thank Governor Malloy for making this worthwhile expenditure in Cromwell."

"Encouraging job growth in the private sector should be at the top of every legislator's agenda, and the state's financial support of this project will better position Cromwell in its efforts to grow and diversify its tax base and attract the type of jobs that can support families," State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell, Middletown, Portland) said. "This grant is an example of the positive role the state can play in economic development."

Middlefield: $250,000 for Miller Road Bridge

The Town of Middlefield will receive a $250,000 grant to rehabilitate and maintain the Miller Road Bridge over the Coginchaug River.

State Representative Matt Lesser (D-Durham, Middlefield, Middletown) said, "This is great news for Middlefield. I want to thank Governor Malloy for making a smart investment to keep drivers safe by protecting critical infrastructure."

Portland: $230,000 for recreational complex

The Town of Portland will receive a $230,000 grant for the design of a recreational complex on 23 acres of municipally-owned property on Gospel Lane in the vicinity of Strickland Street. The property will be used for a variety of recreational purposes, including athletic fields, a concessions stand, a pavilion, walking paths, basketball and tennis courts, and a parking lot. Events planned at the site will attract local and out-of-town visitors to the community, resulting in a positive impact on local businesses.

"Under Susan Bransfield's leadership, the town has done so much to care for and develop properties," State Senator Eileen Daily (D-Westbrook) said. "It's an ideal situation when the state can partner with the town and help bring these plans to fruition."

"A community's amenities are one of first factors up for consideration when anyone, whether it's a family or a business, decides whether they want to grow roots there," State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell, Middletown, Portland) said. "Recreation is an important piece of that pie, and this grant will help Portland enhance its reputation as a community that offers a great quality of life to folks who choose to call it home."

Southington: $250,000 for roadway improvements

The Town of Southington will receive a $250,000 grant to construct improvements to existing roadways on Aircraft Road, Newell Street and Redstone Street, which includes widening the road to allow for a better turning radius for freight trucks.

"The $250,000 STEAP grant for Southington is an example of addressing the needs of our small towns and is important to us who represent and fight for our smaller communities," State Representative Joseph Aresimowicz (D-Berlin, Southington) remarked.

State Representative Zeke Zalaski (D-Southington) said, "Maintaining our infrastructure is a good use of this funding and we welcome the construction improvements set for Aircraft Road, Newell Street and Redstone Street."

The State Bond Commission, under Governor Malloy's leadership, allocated $20 million for STEAP grants on September 23, 2011. The awards, which will be awarded to small towns from throughout the state, were granted in part due to project readiness and their impact on overall regional economic development.

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For Immediate Release: December 27, 2011

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