Somers Receives State Grant to Help With Capital Improvement

Governor Dannel P. Malloy has announced that, in the third installment of several rounds of grants this year, twelve towns throughout Connecticut, including Somers, have been approved to receive funding under the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), which assists with infrastructure improvement projects.

Somers will receive $165,000 for the repair and repaving of the Somers Police Station parking lot located on Main Street. The project requires the lowering of the parking lot to alleviate an existing awkward and unsafe entrance to the Police Station. This improvement will also eliminate the need for stairs and more adequately accommodate the needs of handicapped citizens. Correction of the sloped pavement will reduce flooding of the parking lot during heavy rains.

“By partnering with our smaller communities, our state can assist towns with infrastructure projects that will help them grow, remain competitive, attract businesses, and bring added value to residents for years to come,” Governor Malloy said. “These STEAP grants allow us to get funding directly to municipalities to complete projects that make Connecticut a better place to work and live.”

Local legislators applauded the grant announcement.

“This funding will make the police station’s parking lot safer and more accessible to all residents,” Sen. John A. Kissel said. “It is a wise investment in town infrastructure which should benefit Somers taxpayers for decades to come. Congratulations to First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini and everyone at the Somers Police Department on this grant, and we extend our appreciation to the governor for recognizing and addressing this need.”

“This improvement to the Somers Police Department’s parking lot accommodates the needs of our elderly and handicapped citizens by removing the current stairway. Also, the project will reduce flooding, which is a safety hazard our officers often had to deal with,” said Rep. Kurt Vail. “I commend the state’s investment to the project, which will truly be beneficial for the residents of Somers and our police officers.”

Other towns receiving grants are Chaplin, Clinton, East Lyme, Fairfield, Hartland, Monroe, Montville, North Branford, North Haven, Orange and Prospect.

So far this year, Governor Malloy announced two rounds of STEAP grants – the first in March and the second in April. Over the course of the administration, Governor Malloy has allocated $80 million in STEAP funding for towns across the state.

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