December 30, 2011

GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES STEAP GRANTS: NEWTOWN, SHARON, WINCHESTER, BURLINGTON, BARKHAMSTED, COLEBROOK AND NORTHWEST CONNECTICUT REGIONAL PLANNING COLLABORATIVE

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today visited five more Connecticut communities to announce Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) funds for capital projects. The Governor also announced that the Northwest Connecticut Regional Planning Collaborative, which includes Canaan, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, Salisbury, and Sharon, will receive a STEAP grant.

"STEAP funds are one of the best examples of how state government, in partnership with local government, can make meaningful improvements that directly impact residents," said Governor Malloy. "Just like families across the state, Connecticut town leaders have had to do more with less. As we work to rebuild roads, repair bridges and strengthen business corridors in towns across the state, we are pleased to offer additional support to these communities. We are making Connecticut stronger and more competitive."

Newtown was awarded $400,000 for infrastructure and streetscape improvements for the Fairfield Hills campus.

"This is a smart investment in the future of Newtown. It will help continue the transformation of the Fairfield Hills campus in a way that promotes economic growth while preserving the unique character and aesthetic of this historic community," said Senate Minority Leader John McKinney (R-28).

One of the duplexes on the campus will be renovated and serve as the future home of Kevin's Community Center, a medical clinic open to un- and under-insured residents.

"Governor Malloy's commitment to Newtown and our economic growth is very real," said State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown). "Encouraging job creation is at the top of everyone's list and this grant demonstrates a positive impact on our town. The Fairfield Hills property is becoming the region's economic, civic and cultural hub providing a scenic destination and improved quality of life for all families."

The project will support non-profit organizations and commercial businesses and is expected to support 30 jobs.

"Fairfield Hills presents many opportunities for recreation, civic involvement and commercial development," said Representative Debra Lee Hovey. "I am pleased the STEAP grant has been awarded to help Newtown realize its vision for this worthwhile project and improve the quality of life in our community."

The Town of Sharon is receiving two awards: $100,000 to the Sharon Housing Trust to build an affordable home, and the second, $165,289 to allow the Sharon Housing Authority to expand Sharon Ridge, an affordable housing complex. Sharon Ridge currently has 20 affordable rental units.

"The STEAP grants of $100,000 and $165,289 for the Sharon Housing Trust provides critical additional funding to continue the important work of developing affordable housing in our region of the state. Escalating housing prices has caused those who grew up here or who would like to live and work here an impossibility," Representative Roberta Willis (D-64th District) said. "As someone who has worked to obtain this funding, I want to thank Governor Malloy for understanding the importance of these grants for small towns."

Winchester received $125,000 to improve Walker Field, a downtown complex that includes six baseball and soccer fields. STEAP funds allocated previously paid for parking improvements. The town is going to use the 2012 funds to install permanent lavatories at the field.

Barkhamsted received a $405,454 STEAP award to repair roads, culverts, and bridges in town.

"I am pleased that this funding has been awarded to the Town of Barkhamsted for essential improvements to the town's infrastructure. This grant will help repair deteriorating roads and bridges and ultimately make driving safer for our residents and visitors. Projects of this nature are exactly how taxpayer dollars should be spent. I appreciate the Governor's decision to include this project at the State Bond Commission," said Senator Kevin Witkos.

The funds will help preserve and protect the environment, and rebuild the town infrastructure.

"A quality transportation system is of the utmost importance for everything from economic growth to the safety of our families," said State Representative Bill Simanski (R- Granby). "It's pretty exciting to see this STEAP money come into the district for much needed road and bridge repair."

"The quality and safety of roads and bridges is critical to any community," said State Representative John Rigby. "Given the recent and deserved news coverage of the poor quality of many of Connecticut's bridges, this grant is a welcome benefit for the people of Barkhamsted and residents of this area."

Burlington was awarded $188,765 to extend the public water line into the central business district. This will provide clean, reliable water to businesses, the firehouse, and a senior complex. Upon project completion, firefighters will be able to fill tankers at the firehouse rather than having to rely on alternate water sources during an emergency.

A second award of $154,000 will go towards restoration efforts of Elton Tavern, a historic building on the town green that houses the Burlington Historical Society and a museum.

"This is wonderful news for Burlington," said state Sen. Beth Bye, who represents Burlington, Farmington, West Hartford and a portion of Bloomfield. "The Brown-Elton Tavern just celebrated its 200th birthday last year and -as beautiful a building as it is-it can always use more attention. Also, you cannot underestimate the economic impact of extending water mains into a business district, and I also know how important it is for firefighters to have an adequate and accessible water supply to ensure public safety. So these are all vital investments for the town and I thank Governor Malloy for his attention to Burlington's needs."

"I am so glad to see our state choose to support these two important improvement projects happening right here in Burlington. The restoration of historic Elton Tavern will allow our neighbors to enjoy Burlington's local treasure for many years to come. In addition, the expansion of the public waterline on Covey Road will attract more businesses and jobs to that part of town," said State Representative John Piscopo (R-76, Burlington, Thomaston, Harwinton, Litchfield).

Colebrook was awarded $205,500 to repair Old Forge Road Bridge, including repaving and upgrading railings. This project is estimated to take two months to complete.

The Northwest Connecticut Regional Planning Collaborative - Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, Salisbury, Sharon - was awarded an $80,000 STEAP grant to help promote local businesses. This funding will help the NWCT Regional Planning Collaborative implement regionally coordinated marketing, install signage, and focus marketing for local businesses. The Planning Collaborative has identified nearly 40 vacant commercial spaces that, if returned to use, could produce 360 jobs.

The Governor will announce additional STEAP awards next week.

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For Immediate Release: December 30, 2011

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy