August 1, 2013

GOV. MALLOY: GRANTS HELP TOWNS INVEST IN QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENTS

Second Round of STEAP Grants Announced

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that 17 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 maintenance, public works upgrades, public safety improvements and other municipal service projects.

The towns announced today include: Bethel, Canaan, Canterbury, Clinton, Colebrook, Darien, Deep River, Ellington, Glastonbury, Litchfield, Montville, North Canaan, Salisbury, Seymour, Sherman, Wallingford and Westbrook.

"STEAP grants give us the opportunity to invest in quality of life improvements in small towns across our state. Projects like road and bridge enhancements and improvements to public spaces and historic places make our small towns better places to live and work," Governor Malloy said. "These STEAP grants will assist small towns in completing important capital projects that otherwise may never get financed."

"These grants are an important and effective way for the state to help our small towns improve so many aspects of their communities," Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. "As towns face enormous pressure to limit spending in their municipal budgets, these funds are critical to upgrade both infrastructure and quality of life for their residents."

Today's announcements are the second round of this year's STEAP grants - a previous round of grants was announced last month .

The individual STEAP grants announced today are:

BETHEL : $250,000 for a sidewalk project that includes the replacement of stairs at several entrances to the CJ Hurgin Municipal Center and sidewalk replacement/construction in three locations: the Municipal Center; the intersection of Main Street, Maple Avenue and Chestnut Street; and the Bethel Police Department. The project will create/sustain approximately 17 jobs.

"Many communities in Connecticut are trying to create a safer and more walkable environment for their residents," State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Wilton) said. "The STEAP grant awarded to Bethel will help the town increase pedestrian access to its downtown area by funding sidewalk replacement and construction at a busy and often unsafe intersection. The grant will also be used to improve safety at the town's municipal center. I am pleased that the state will be supporting Bethel on this project."

"Bethel recognizes the importance of maintaining safe pedestrian access to several town offices and major roadways," State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) said. "I am encouraged that this funding will now provide Bethel residents with improved stairway access to the CJ Hurgin Municipal Center and new sidewalks at the Municipal Center, the Main Street intersection and the Police Department."

"The condition of Bethel's downtown structures is vital to town services and economic development," State Representative Dan Carter (R-Bethel, Danbury, Newtown, Redding) said. "I'm glad our town is the recipient of this well-deserved funding, and I look forward to continued developments that increase quality of life and safety for residents."

"I'm pleased the Town of Bethel was selected to receive this competitive grant for some much needed improvements," Rep. David Scribner (R-Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury) said. "These upgrades will not only enhance our infrastructure, but help town personnel and our police force better serve residents."

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CANAAN : $200,000 to repair, stabilize and preserve the South Canaan Meeting House. The building was built in 1804 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Meeting House hosts community events and is included in the Iron Heritage Trail and the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area.

"Standing tall for over two hundred years, the South Canaan Meeting House has provided residents with an opportunity to gather and host countless community events," State Senator Clark Chapin (R-New Milford) said. "With this assistance, the Meeting House will be repaired and preserved for generations to come."

"I am very pleased Governor Malloy has announced STEAP grants for Salisbury, Canaan and North Canaan," State Representative Roberta Willis (D-Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Torrington, Sharon) said. "STEAP grants represent an important investment that enable small towns in our region of the state to pay for important local projects that they otherwise may not be able to undertake because of the cost."

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CANTERBURY : $270,000 to construct a Public Works Garage. The project is the final piece of a larger plan to have a fully integrated public works complex. The new garage will be energy efficient, offer a safer work environment and provide greater fire protection. The project will sustain approximately 25 construction jobs.

"The old public works garage, with its low ceiling and dirt floor, no longer meets the needs of the town," Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn, Canterbury) said. "Replacing the 53-year-old garage with a modern structure that is safe for workers is a smart investment of state resources."

"Canterbury has long been in need of a new Public Works garage. The current structure was constructed in the very early 1960s, has a dirt floor, no heat, wooden posts placed in the ground, and very little space to work on equipment," State Representative Brian Sear (D-Canterbury, Chaplin, Franklin, Hampton, Lebanon, Lisbon, Norwich, Scotland, Sprague) said. "A previous $200,000 STEAP grant enabled us to prepare the new site. This additional $270,000 will allow us to construct a new energy-efficient, safe and productive facility that will serve the town for at least the next 50 years."

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CLINTON : $500,000 for streetscape improvements including sidewalks, signage, lighting, landscaping for the downtown business district area, and the burial of some utility lines. The project will benefit 25 local businesses by making the area, which has not been upgraded in three decades, more attractive and pedestrian friendly.

"I would like to thank the Governor and Lt. Governor for their continued support of Connecticut's small towns through the STEAP program," Clinton First Selectman William W. Fritz said. "This grant gives Clinton an opportunity to continue its revitalization of the downtown area and support our local businesses by making it a destination. This funding will be a continuation of the project which was recently completed and funded through STEAP and hopefully be completed by late fall of this year."

"Downtown Clinton in an excellent place to walk, eat and shop at local businesses," State Senator Art Linares (R-Westbrook) said. "I am thankful for this investment that will make significant improvements to the sidewalks, signs, lighting and landscaping that will encourage Connecticut residents to visit and enjoy everything that Clinton has to offer."

"The Clinton downtown revitalization project is nearing completion thanks to Governor Malloy," State Representative Tom Vicino (D-Clinton, Westbrook, Killingworth) said. "This Clinton streetscape funding is the last piece of the project to tie-in the downtown business center to the Clinton Post Office. The Governor's support to make Main Street businesses in Clinton and Westbrook a true destination for shopping and restaurants and promote economic development along the shoreline is much appreciated."

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COLEBROOK : $77,500 to complete building renovation and exterior painting of the Colebrook Historical Society Museum building, which serves as a popular facility in town and hosts monthly programs for the community and visitors. The funding will help finish the project that was started with a previous STEAP grant.

"The Colebrook Historical Society is a foundation to the community, and it's great to see a STEAP grant come in and help complete a longstanding project," State Representative Jay Case (R-Winchester, Torrington, Colebrook, Goshen) said. "I applaud the Governor and his administration for recognizing the project as an important one to the state of Connecticut. It's well-deserved funding that will help bring in more tourism to our area, and in turn, will help other small businesses in the surrounding area."

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DARIEN : $400,000 to construct an aquatic habitat and remove sediment within the Goodwives River watershed from Upper Pond. Upper Pond empties into Gorham's Pond, which leads into Long Island Sound. The grant will build on existing public and private investments to restore aquatic habitat and reopen migratory fish access as well as prevent contaminated sediment from washing downstream to Darien Harbor and Long Island Sound.

State Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk, Darien) said, "Protecting our natural resources and maintaining Darien Harbor is essential to the health of the environment and local our economy. This STEAP grant is a smart investment that builds on our prior efforts, and I thank Governor Malloy for his support."

"Long Island Sound and its many tributaries are the defining characteristics of our region, and protecting them is in everyone's interest," State Senator Carlo Leone (D-Stamford, Darien) said. "Our waterways provide employment to many people and natural beauty to all, so I am grateful to Governor Malloy for his support of this project. The Goodwives watershed is a local landmark and all of Darien will be appreciative of this wonderful investment."

"As a longtime conservationist, I am very pleased to hear that Gorham's Pond will be receiving funds to remediate and restore it as well as protect it for the future. This is a very important ecosystem in Darien and vital that we preserve the health and well-being of it. Many thanks to the Governor's Office for this appropriation and investment," State Representative Terrie Wood (R-Darien, Norwalk) said.

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DEEP RIVER : $400,000 for improvements to Plattwood Park, the town's major recreation center. The project includes an ADA-compliant pavilion, bathrooms and associated facilities; ADA-compliant recreation areas for the handicapped; sports fields and a walking trail.

"I can't emphasize enough the importance of STEAP grants to our town," Deep River First Selectman Richard Smith said. "The funding enhances our quality of life - not only for the residents of Deep River, but for visitors from out of town who will continue to be welcome to share our park. Out-of-town guests are drawn here not just for swimming and picnics, but they also come to shop and are an important component of our burgeoning retail sector's continuing growth. The project itself will maintain and create employment, while the purchase of materials will benefit not only the local economy, but will strengthen the economic foundation of our entire state."

"Plattwood Park has provided Deep River residents with exceptional recreational opportunities, including basketball, skateboarding, fishing and other outdoor activities," State Senator Art Linares (R-Westbrook) said. "This funding will allow for numerous improvements to the park's infrastructure, including a pavilion, bathrooms, ADA-compliant recreation areas, a sports field and a walking trail. Once completed, our community will benefit from this new and significant resource."

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ELLINGTON : $250,000 for a 1,000-square-foot addition to the Ellington Human Services building, which will provide more operating space by adding three offices, one storage area, one conference room and a bathroom. This expansion will allow the Human Services Department the ability to interact with residents in a more personal one-on-one setting.

"Ellington's Human Services Department provides programs and services that meet the social service and health care needs of its residents, and very often that means conversations about what specific services people need or other programs they might be referred to," State Senator Gary D. LeBeau (D-East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, South Windsor) said. "It follows, then, that we should make efforts to ensure the privacy and dignity of the senior citizens, children and others who seek town help. That's exactly what this project does, and I thank Governor Malloy and HUD for this investment in Ellington and its citizens."

State Representative Christopher Davis (R-Ellington) said, "This funding is a great example of how the tax dollars we pay can be invested back into our community in a positive manner. The funds from this program will greatly improve the quality of service provided for the families in our community who may be in need of any assistance."

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GLASTONBURY : $250,000 for public access and parking to four open space parcels (the former Arbor Acres, Grayledge, Longo Farm and Slocumb properties) that were recently acquired by the town. The project provides greater access for passive recreation including hiking, walking and cross-country skiing, and expands the inventory of trails available for public use. Two additional parking and access points will be added to the Shenipsit Trail; public access points will be added to the Flat Brook Open Space Acquisition (part of the Arbor Acres parcel), which was acquired with state assistance; and access will be provided to the state-stocked Roaring Brook for fishing. The project supports and furthers several of the priorities identified in the State Conservation and Development Plan.

"This $250,000 STEAP grant award will support Glastonbury's ongoing initiative to provide public access to selected town open space areas totaling over 334 acres," Glastonbury Town Manager Richard Johnson said. "Improved public access will help foster use of these land resources for a variety of recreation opportunities including hiking, walking, cross-country skiing and other similar activities. Glastonbury is pleased to receive this state funding assistance and excited to move forward with the planned improvements. Our thanks go to Governor Malloy for supporting this important project."

"This state investment in Glastonbury is just the latest in a series of state-funded projects that are coming together in one incredible park, and the trails and the parking and the access to those trails are a part of that," State Senator Steve Cassano (D-Manchester), who represents Glastonbury and three other towns, said. "The State of Connecticut and Governor Malloy have been very generous partners in this process of reclaiming and improving Glastonbury's riverfront. This park and everything around it are going to be a showcase for the entire state when it's complete."

"This is great news for Glastonbury and for the preservation of our environment," State Representative Prasad Srinivasan (R-Glastonbury) said. "This open space grant will permit residents and tourists alike to view and enjoy our natural resources for years to come."

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LITCHFIELD : $160,000 for upgrades to the Bantam Fire Company, including renovation of the washroom to add shower facilities and make it ADA-compliant. Making these upgrades will allow the building to be used as a long-term emergency shelter.

"The Bantam Fire Company has provided the community with fire safety and rescue services for nearly 100 years," State Senator Clark Chapin (R-New Milford) said. "Thanks to this investment, the Fire Company building will continue their valuable legacy and be able to serve as a new long-term emergency shelter for Bantam residents."

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MONTVILLE : $250,000 for sidewalks along Chesterfield Road. The project will include a new sidewalk and amenities to provide safe pedestrian connections between Montville High School and Leonard J. Tyl Middle School. In addition, the project will provide connections by crosswalks and trails to the Fair Oaks Community Center and the Montville Conservation Center.

"These infrastructure improvements are important to all Montville residents and are especially important to students who are traveling in and around the high school and middle school and who need a safe and well-defined path to walk on," State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Columbia, Franklin, Hebron, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Marlborough, Montville, Norwich, Sprague) said. "I want to thank Governor Malloy for taking the time to review and approve the public safety needs of all Montville residents, young and old."

"I want to thank the Governor for the grant award that will help to make that area of Montville safer," State Senator Andrea Stillman (D-Bozrah, East Lyme, Montville, New London, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Salem, Waterford) said. "There is so much vehicular and pedestrian activity that occurs in that triangle. Connecting the schools, the Community Center and the conservation area will make the well-traveled roads much safer."

"Congratulations to the Town of Montville for pursuing this opportunity," State Representative Betsy Ritter (D-Waterford, Montville) said. "The sidewalk, crosswalks and trails network will create safe connections between Montville High School, Tyl Middle School, Fair Oaks Community Center and the Montville Conservation Center for everyone to enjoy."

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NORTH CANAAN : $400,000 to restore the historic Canaan Union Station. The train station was damaged by arson in 2001 and the town has worked to secure local, state and federal funding to restore the facility. Once rebuilt, Canaan Union Station will house offices, a restaurant and a museum to recognize the train station's history. The project will yield approximately 40 construction jobs for one year and 20 permanent jobs.

"Finally, the Canaan Union Station will now be restored to its former beauty," State Senator Clark Chapin (R-New Milford) said. "I am thankful that this funding will create new opportunities for office space, a restaurant and a museum highlighting the building's role in the town's history."

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SALISBURY : $500,000 to remediate a former dry cleaning establishment. The project includes remediating the location that is blighted and a health hazard. Once the property is cleaned and the building is demolished, the town plans to convert the property from commercial to residential and build affordable housing.

"Cleaning up contaminated properties continues to be a major priority of mine," State Senator Clark Chapin (R-New Milford) said. "Thanks to this funding, Salisbury will see one more property cleaned up and put to good use."

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SEYMOUR : $168,000 for phase III of the town sidewalk replacement for various town roads to improve pedestrian safety.

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SHERMAN : $69,000 for repairs and upgrades to the Sherman Playhouse. The playhouse has hosted productions for over 100 years and is an entertainment attraction for the community, tourists and future generations to enjoy.

Sherman First Selectman Clay Cope said, "I am very grateful to the Governor for this grant and to State Senator McLachlan for championing our cause in Hartford. With these funds, the historic Sherman Playhouse will have much needed updated facilities for both patrons and staff."

"For more than 100 years, the Sherman Playhouse has served our community and entertained countless visitors from around the region," State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) said. "Thanks to this funding, the playhouse will now undergo necessary repairs and upgrades that will allow this cultural landmark to continue entertaining for many generations to come."

"The Sherman Playhouse is an historic town landmark that has driven local tourism and entertained area residents for years, serving as one of the premier performing arts venues in our region," Rep. Richard A. Smith (R-Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Sherman) said. "I'm pleased the state is directing this competitive grant funding to our community in an effort to maintain this beloved town structure."

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WALLINGFORD : $181,000 for the design and construction of roadway and parking improvements to Veterans Memorial Park. The project will reconfigure the roadway and create additional parking while improving vehicular and pedestrian safety. The project also includes related site work and landscaping.

"Wallingford is one of the most patriotic towns in Connecticut. Its heart and soul is steeped in its veterans - not only for what they sacrificed in service to our country, but for what they continue to do to support the community," State Senator Len Fasano (R-Durham, East Haven, North Haven, Wallingford) said. "I'm pleased that this grant will help to improve accessibility to the Memorial Park, which stands in our veteran' honor and supports the recreational activities of hundreds upon hundreds of children."

"Parks such as Veterans' Memorial are crucial to cities and towns throughout this state because they tell a story about the quality of life a community offers," State Representative Al Adinolfi (R-Cheshire, Southington, Wallingford) said. "That the state has set aside money to improve this park in Wallingford will be news that's appreciated by the families who spend so much time there."

"Veterans' Memorial Park is an important asset to the Town of Wallingford that is regrettably hampered by parking and vehicle access constraints," State Representative Vincent Candelora (R-Durham, Guilford, North Branford, Wallingford) said. "This investment in our community will ensure that residents can safely and easily enjoy all the park has to offer for many years to come."

"The $181,000 STEAP grant awarded to Wallingford is a welcomed announcement by Governor Malloy," State Representative Mary Fritz (D-Cheshire, Wallingford) said. "It's important that we continue to invest in our small towns and the STEAP grant program helps us meet some of the infrastructure and improvement needs of our smaller communities."

"This funding will allow the Town of Wallingford to fix a congested parking situation, and better protect children and their parents who are using the playing fields," State Representative Mary Mushinsky (D-Wallingford) said.

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WESTBROOK : $500,000 for phase II of the Town Center Enhancement Project, which includes the design and construction of a municipal parking lot and relocating Knothe Road. This is the final phase of the project and is a part of a comprehensive plan to enhance the economic and social value of the town center by creating a compact, walkable, transit-oriented village center. The phase II improvements will enable implementation of shared parking to the rear of existing buildings to more effectively serve local businesses, improve overall circulation within the town center and create development opportunities through efficiencies gained by reconfigured, multi-use parking.

"In recent years, Westbrook has focused on improving its Town Center by working with local businesses and enhancing the town's overall walkability," State Senator Art Linares (R-Westbrook) said. "Thanks to this funding, the second phase of the Town Center Enhancement Project will now move forward, creating additional parking resources, improving traffic circulation and providing for new development opportunities."

"This grant represents a significant investment in the economic vitality so important to the future of Westbrook Town Center," State Representative Marilyn Giuliano (R-Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Westbrook) said. "The planned improvements to parking and transit efficiency will provide a welcome boost to our local businesses and enhance the sense of community by making the Center more walkable and welcoming to our families."

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For Immediate Release: August 1, 2013

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy