July 17, 2013

GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN 14 CONNECTICUT SMALL TOWNS

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that 14 small towns throughout Connecticut are being awarded grants under the state's Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) to be utilized for certain capital improvement projects, such as road and bridge upkeep, public water system maintenance, and other municipal facility projects.

The towns announced today include: Bolton, Branford, Burlington, Chaplin, Columbia, Durham, East Lyme, Granby, Kent, Marlborough, North Haven, Old Lyme, Trumbull, and Union.

"These STEAP grants are critical to many small towns across the state that need this funding to complete important capital improvement projects that otherwise may never get financed," Governor Malloy said. "These are funds that will have a lasting effect on the towns for years to come, whether they are for necessary transportation system upkeep, downtown revitalization, renovation of historic buildings, public works improvements, or other various construction projects. By partnering together, the state and local governments can make meaningful improvements that directly impact residents and help small towns maintain the New England charm that makes Connecticut so unique."

Today's announcements are the first round in this year's STEAP grants. Announcements for additional towns receiving grants under the program are forthcoming.

The individual STEAP grants announced today are:

BOLTON : $250,000 for water quality monitoring, vegetation and algae management and development, and implementation of a management plan for Lower Bolton Lake. Over the past few years, overwhelming weed growth and an algae outbreak turned the lake into a health and safety hazard and made it unusable for the public. Bolton Lake is used for kayaking, fishing, swimming and boating. Last year, the town spent over $80,000 on the lake and needs to continue other necessary work. The town has been working closely with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Department of Public Health since the beginning and will continue to do so until the work is done.

"Bolton has suffered long enough with this stubborn problem, and this grant should help them turn the corner in getting rid of these algae blooms and weed infestations," State Senator Steve Cassano (D-Manchester) said. "It's one thing to have an unsightly lake, or to have restricted use for boaters and fishermen. But to have an unhealthy lake and one that's dangerous to swimmers and pets, that's a problem that's got to be addressed very quickly. I applaud Governor Malloy for recognizing the seriousness of the problem by releasing these funds in a timely manner."

State Representative Pam Sawyer (R-Andover, Bolton, Hebron, Marlborough) said, "The Town of Bolton stepped up to the plate to find a way to remediate the water quality issues for the state. I'm very pleased that the state has moved quickly to reimburse the town. This is not only a recreational issue, but also a health issue."

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BRANFORD : $500,000 to acquire property at 202 Thimble Island Road (in the Stony Creek section of Branford) to serve as a municipal facility with public restrooms. Located directly across from the town beach, the existing structure will be modified to accommodate town employees and serve the needs of visitors, tourists and water-based industries. It can also serve as an information center for both town and commercial services and programs and will serve as an operations base for the lifeguards assigned to the public beach. The town intends to keep the current tenant, the Stony Creek Post Office.

"This vitally important project will improve the experience of local residents and visitors coming to see the town beach or beautiful downtown Stony Creek," State Senator Ed Meyer (D-Guilford) said. "I want to extend my thanks to Governor Malloy for supporting this grant, which will help better town services and make Branford an even more attractive place to visit, thereby boosting our local economy."

"I am very appreciative of Governor Malloy's support for $500,000 in STEAP funding for permanent public restrooms in the heart of Stony Creek," State Representative Pat Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) said. "This will certainly enhance the experience for tourists to visit this scenic area and most of all for Branford's residents to enjoy the beach, park, restaurants and marine facilities."

"For too many years, this most picturesque harbor village has been forced to greet residents and growing numbers of visitors with an off-putting clutter of portable potties lined up like unsightly sentries," State Representative Lonnie Reed (D-Branford) said. "They detract from some of the most breathtaking views imaginable and from the whole family-friendly Stony Creek experience. This state grant will help us build an attractive, convenient comfort station to support robust tourism and village commerce, enhancing both our economy and our quality of life. I want to thank the Governor for supporting Branford's grant application and for once again delivering such good news in person."

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BURLINGTON : $214,000 for reconstruction of the Burlington portion of the Farmington River bike and pedestrian path. This is a heavily used recreation trail that links with the towns of Farmington and Canton. Reconstruction will consist of tree removal adjacent to the trail, grinding up the existing trail base material, removal of any large roots, and paving the trail. This part of the trail is one of the older sections and repairs are a matter of upkeep and public safety.

"I'd like to thank the town leadership of Burlington for their focus on improvements to the Farmington River Bike Path," State Representative John Piscopo (R-Burlington, Harwinton, Litchfield, Thomaston) said. "This grant will help with continued development of the waterfront and improve the quality of life for the people of Burlington and the greater district."

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CHAPLIN : $450,000 to reconstruct Bedlam Road Bridge, which is in need of repairs. Located on a significant road for the town, it is a necessary crossing of a brook which allows residents to travel to work, shopping and schools. The bridge is also essential to providing emergency, fire and rescue services, and provides an important school bus route to get children to school in a timely and safe manner.

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COLUMBIA : $250,000 towards the improvement of four local roads: Old Willimantic Road, Cherry Valley Road, Brendi Trail, and Russmar Trail. Funding will be used towards construction, specifically road milling, catch basin repair/replacement, pipe crossing replacement, asphalt and curbing. The project will improve traffic flow and safety.

"On behalf of the Columbia Board of Selectmen, I thank state taxpayers, Governor Malloy and the legislature for the new STEAP grant funding," Columbia First Selectman Carmen Vance said. "The grant funding will be used to maintain Columbia's local roads. Construction companies and road materials providers will benefit from the additional business that this state grant will generate. I look forward to getting this local project underway."

State Representative Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) said, "This funding for road improvements in Columbia is necessary. A lot of roads in small towns haven't been brought up to par as quickly as they should, and this grant will go a long way toward Columbia's goal of improving and maintaining its roads."

"This funding will greatly enhance the condition and safety of our roads in Columbia which have been in need of improvement for far too long," State Representative Tim Ackert (R-Columbia, Coventry, Tolland, Vernon) said. "I'd like to thank the Governor and my colleagues in the legislature for supporting our community."

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DURHAM : $500,000 to reconstruct road culverts on Pickett Lane to alleviate flooding problems that threaten public safety and property. Pickett Lane is the access road serving Regional School District 13 Coginchaug Regional High School, Francis Korn Elementary School and Strong Middle School. The middle school also serves as the Town's emergency shelter, and access to the buildings is often curtailed by flooding. The total project cost is $1.7 million. The Town of Durham has received two other STEAP awards for this project: $200,000 in FY 10 and $150,000 in FY 11. Durham has expended approximately $70,000 so far on the preliminary design (complete) and permitting (almost complete). They have an engineering contract in place for final design, bidding and construction administration and inspection.

"On behalf of the residents of the Town of Durham, I wish to thank Governor Malloy for awarding the STEAP grant for the Pickett Lane culvert replacement," Durham First Selectman Laura L. Francis said. "Replacing the failing and undersized culvert will insure safe passage to our only municipal park and ball fields, Korn Elementary School, and Coginchaug Regional High School, which also serves as our town's emergency shelter. I am extremely grateful for the STEAP program as it helps small towns invest in capital projects such as infrastructure improvements."

"This crucial investment in the Town of Durham will help preserve properties from flooding and diminish the public safety risk posed by the intrusive waters," State Senator Ed Meyer (D-Guilford) said. "I want to thank Governor Malloy for supporting the Town of Durham and ensuring that we receive this critically important state investment in our infrastructure."

"When Representative Candelora, Representative Kokoruda and I were first elected in November to represent the people of Durham, we were immediately made aware of the frustration felt by residents with the state's failure to grant funding to complete this important project," State Senator Len Fasano (R-East Haven, North Haven, Durham, Wallingford). "We made it a priority of ours and brought it to the attention of the Governor's Office. This project will move ahead thanks to the administration's efforts - particularly the Governor's chief of staff, Mark Ojakian - and the persistent dedicated advocacy of Durham's first selectman, Laura Francis."

"This is great news for Durham. I'm delighted that the state recognizes the importance of fixing this long term problem," State Representative Noreen Kokoruda (R-Durham, Madison) said.

"This grant is a critical investment in a project that is long overdue," State Representative Vincent Candelora (R-Durham, Guilford, North Branford, Wallingford) said. "As a new representative for the Town of Durham, I am so pleased that we were able to quickly facilitate the awarding of this grant that will improve the infrastructure and fix the persistent flooding problems on Pickett Lane."

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EAST LYME : $500,000 for the Niantic Bay Overlook Boardwalk Repair (1.1 mile long "boardwalk") project. The project consists of repairing damages sustained during Tropical Storm Irene which required a complete closure of the Overlook section of the boardwalk. The Overlook provides the longest expanse of public boardwalk and beach combination in Connecticut. The funds will be used to repair the damaged portion of the Overlook Boardwalk by rebuilding it to a design that can handle a 100-year storm. As part of Amtrak's rail realignment, the remaining 2,580 feet have already been rebuilt to a 100-year storm design. Repair of the Niantic Bay Boardwalk will re-establish coastal access.

State Senator Andrea Stillman (D-Waterford) said, "Funding to restore the Niantic Bay Boardwalk will revitalize what is a major tourist attraction during the summer season and a favorite year 'round destination for residents of the region, which in turn will provide a boost to the local economy and its hospitality dependent businesses."

"I would like to thank Governor Malloy and the administration for recognizing the significance of the boardwalk as an integral part of the ongoing revitalization of downtown Niantic, and for providing the funding for this important aspect of the project," State Representative Ed Jutila (D-East Lyme, Salem) said.

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GRANBY : $500,000 for the construction of a parking lot and rehabilitation of buildings at Holcomb Farm. The parking lot is designed to be environmentally friendly with both standard and porous asphalt. Rehabilitation of buildings will allow the town to move forward with its plans for agricultural tourism and will provide a unique barn setting for weddings and other social gatherings. The space may also be made available for nonprofit agricultural and open space preservation organizations. The Granby Land Trust currently has its office at Holcomb Farm. The farm's trails are used by area residents for a variety of recreational activities.

"Since assuming responsibility for the operation and maintenance of Holcomb Farm in 2012, the Town of Granby has worked diligently to develop a plan to enhance this agricultural treasure and provide greater access," Granby First Selectman John E. Adams said. "The STEAP grant will enable the town to improve parking areas and access to the facilities using environmentally sensitive construction practices. Working with our community partner, Holcomb Farm, Inc., Granby will continue to enhance the facilities and grow the enthusiasm to sustain this community farm for generations to come. We thank the State of Connecticut, Governor Malloy and Secretary Barnes for their acceptance of our application."

"Among the many farms that are visible while driving along Route 10 and Route 20, Holcomb Farm has become a well-known Connecticut destination," State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) said. "They have taken an active role in providing learning experiences to children and adults throughout the state as well as continuing to operate as a working farm. With rolling hills and a rich agricultural heritage, this area of Connecticut is truly God's country. We appreciate this substantial investment in this area gem."

"I'd like to thank the Governor for graciously providing the Town of Granby and Holcomb Farm with the funding we need to improve one of the great attractions in our community," State Representative Bill Simanski (R-Barkhamsted, Granby, Hartland, New Hartford) said.

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KENT : $100,000 to replace the roof of Bulls Bridge. The bridge is one of three covered bridges still in use in Connecticut and has become a quick shortcut from Kent to New York. The current roof was installed in 1994 and has numerous leaks and tears. The current roof, which is made of wooden shingles, will be replaced with Enviroshakes, which look like wood but is made from recycled materials and lasts years longer.

"STEAP grants have become increasingly important to Connecticut's smaller municipalities," State Senator Clark Chapin (R-New Milford) said. "I'm grateful that Kent was able to take advantage of these funds this year by submitting a strong application for such a worthwhile project."

"I am very pleased that the Town of Kent will be the recipient of this $100,000 STEAP grant to replace the roof of Bulls Bridge," State Representative Roberta Willis (D-Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Torrington, Sharon) said. "It's important that we continue to maintain these historic bridges and provide funding to our smaller communities through the STEAP program."

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MARLBOROUGH : $500,000 for a public water system expansion in the Marlborough Village Center. The project will expand the existing municipal water system that now exclusively services the school, senior center and library to include all of the properties in the Village Center, which is the commercial core of Marlborough. Completion of this project will help the town attract retail business.

Marlborough First Selectman Catherine Gaudinski said, "I am extremely pleased Marlborough has been awarded a $500,000 STEAP grant to expand its public water system, which is critical for economic development opportunities in the town's commercial center. This public/private partnership with Connecticut Water Company, Aquarion Water Company, and property owners is shovel ready and we are eager to move the project forward. Marlborough thanks the Governor's Office and legislature for its continued support of the Small Town Economic Assistance Program."

"The expansion of the public water system in Marlborough is an economic development need, pure and simple. It's vitally important for Marlborough's town center," State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) said.

"Providing a quality water source in the center of town is a major piece for Smart Growth in this community," State Representative Pam Sawyer (R-Andover, Bolton, Hebron, Marlborough) said. "STEAP grants were originally created to aid small towns in projects just like this. A water supply for Marlborough will allow the town to carefully plan their future, and the economic aspects will help the town financially."

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NORTH HAVEN : $127,240 to refurbish Carina Park, including the tennis courts and basketball courts. The residents of Carina Road and South Avenue have formed a group of concerned citizens to clean up and keep their park in safe and current shape. This project will benefit those who live in the neighborhood and the community as a whole.

State Senator Len Fasano (R-North Haven) said, "Maintaining clean, safe and updated recreational athletic facilities enhances a community in innumerable ways. I'm pleased the Governor's Office chose to support the local efforts of the Carina Park neighborhood and First Selectman Mike Freda in moving this project ahead."

"This grant is an important investment for our town and will result in much needed improvements to the recreational and athletic opportunities available to the people of North Haven," State Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-North Haven) said. "I applaud OPM, Governor Malloy and North Haven local officials for making this project a priority."

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OLD LYME : $478,000 to expand and renovate the Boathouse at Hains Park on Rogers Lake. Renovations will make the boathouse ADA accessible with bathrooms, showers and workout room, and a space to properly maintain and repair equipment. The boathouse provides storage for crew racing shells and related equipment for rowing programs offered by Regional School District 18 and community clubs.

"This is great news for the Town of Old Lyme. The STEAP grant will allow us to renovate and expand the much used Boathouse at Rogers Lake Trail," Old Lyme First Selectman Bonnie Reemsnyder said. "This impacts so many people in our town and will create jobs as we proceed to get the work done. I thank Governor Malloy and the State of Connecticut for supporting our efforts in Old Lyme."

"The planned upgrade for this facility serves two purposes: a refurbished boathouse will accommodate more seasonal boaters and perhaps even extend the season to allow lake access for 'leaf peepers' to admire fall foliage," State Senator Andrea Stillman (D-Waterford) said. "Beyond that, the boathouse is the year 'round home to the Old Lyme Rowing Association, which in turn helps keep the high school rowing team afloat, so this investment will serve that group as well."

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TRUMBULL : $500,000 to repave and repair Corporate Drive, including replacing damaged and deteriorated curbing, and replacing and upgrading storm water catch basins. Corporate Drive is a 46-acre industrial and office subdivision used by over 1,000 people who are employed with companies located on the street. This project will allow the town to better maintain the road while enhancing the appearance of the street.

"The Town of Trumbull is very appreciative that the state has recognized the importance of the Corporate Drive area as an employment center, not only to the region, but to Connecticut as a whole," Trumbull First Selectman Timothy Herbst said. "I am confident that this investment will solidify the local commitment of existing companies on Corporate Drive, while advancing impending projects that will accommodate new and expanding businesses."

State Senator Anthony Musto (D-Bridgeport, Monroe, Trumbull) said, "Hundreds of people work on or near Trumbull's Corporate Drive, and this investment in our infrastructure by the State of Connecticut is crucial to supporting local businesses and attracting new ones. The repairs funded by this grant will bolster our local economy while helping to maintain our commitment to keep property taxes low. I want to thank Governor Malloy for supporting Trumbull with this important project."

State Representative Dave Rutigliano (R-Trumbull) said, "These monies will help in continuing economic development in Trumbull. It is good to see Trumbull getting back something from Hartford. I congratulate Trumbull's Economic Development Department and its director Ed Lavernoich for their hard work."

"I'm very pleased that the state is granting the Town of Trumbull $500,000 to redo our Corporate Drive," State Representative Larry Miller (R-Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull) said. "We have a lot of great businesses down there, and the road needs to be repaired. It's the kind of improvement we can make to show that Trumbull is focused on maintaining its business community and investing in economic development."

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UNION : $261,000 to reconstruct Cemetery Road, which runs through the center of Union and is 1.79 miles long. With the Town of Union being the smallest town in the state and only having a population of a little over 700 people and very few businesses, a project of this size is something that the town could never accomplish without outside assistance.

"The financial challenges facing small communities like Chaplin mean that not every problem gets fixed. This substantial amount of money from the state will help fix the Bedlam Bridge which is now more than two decades old," State Senator Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford) said. "In Union, town leaders will receive a much needed financial boost to redo Cemetery Road, which many residents use when getting around local tie ups on Buckley Highway. Communities have to maintain safe roads and workable transportation systems. The STEAP awards being provided to these small towns will help make residents safer. I am happy to see this kind of support from the state."

State Representative Mike Alberts (R-Brooklyn, Eastford, Pomfret, Union, Woodstock) said, "I am very appreciative of the Governor's recognition of the need for these funds for the Town of Union. This grant will go a long way toward a much-needed reclaiming and paving project for a large section of Cemetery Road - over the years heavy truck traffic has significantly damaged the road."

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For Immediate Release: July 17, 2013

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy