Lamont: $1M Grant Funds Madison Transit-Oriented Development Projects

MADISON, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont approved $6.8 million in state grants for six Connecticut municipalities to fund transit-oriented development projects last week. Madison is one of these six.

The town is set to receive more nearly $1 million in funding, including than $760,000 for streetscape improvements and $200,000 for sidewalk construction projects across town.

The grants are part of the state’s Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of Policy and Management. The program provides grants for shovel-ready capital projects located within one-half mile of existing public transportation facilities and promotes the development of infrastructure with the goal of creating walkable, mixed-use spaces that support vibrant, sustainable, and equitable communities.

State Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) and state Rep. John-Michael Parker (D-Madison) welcomed the announcement.

"These transit-oriented development grants are highly competitive, but Connecticut is making an investment in the beautiful community of Madison as well as in other state infrastructure projects," Cohen said. "These grant dollars, coupled with the recent STEAP award, will enhance our quality of life and economic development as well as the safety of pedestrians and shoppers. I was happy to have worked with First Selectwoman Lyons and Representative Parker to determine the appropriate funding mechanisms and to maximize opportunities for the town. Madison has wonderful projects afoot, and I'm grateful for the successful relationship and collaborative partnership that we’ve established between town officials, our legislative delegation and the governor’s office.”

The Madison Center Project Streetscape Improvements project will get a $761,134 grant for removal and relocation of overhead utility faclities, and the construction of streetscape and other roadway and pedestrian improvements in the town’s center business district on the Boston Post Road.

The town's Pedestrian Improvements project for Woodland Road, Route 79, and Bradley Road, will get a grant of $206,488 for construction of approximately 4,250 linear feet of sidewalk and associated crosswalks along Woodland Road, Route 79, and Bradley Road, connecting to previously transit-oriented development-funded sidewalks on Bradley Road and Tuxis Walkway.

"I'm thrilled about the continued support Madison has received from the state for a variety of critical projects that will bolster economic development and improve our quality of life here in town," Parker said. "Thank you to the governor and to our municipal partners who are making these steps toward better transit-oriented development possible. I'm so proud to be a part of a team that has delivered for our residents and that is working hard to prepare for our future."

Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said the funding will enable the town to move forward on the projects.

"We aspire to develop a safer, more connected downtown area that provides walkers, bikers, drivers, and public transit customers easier access to our local businesses and other nearby community amenities," Lyons said. "Both these grant awards will enable us to keep these community projects on track for completion and partially offset a need for local taxpayer funding."

Lyons thanked Cohen and Parker for their "partnership in ushering these grants through the application process, and for their continued efforts advocating for our Town."

"I am also extremely grateful to Governor Lamont," she said, "For his continued commitment to help fund Madison’s future through this and other strategic infrastructure grants for projects like the Madison Center Project, Academy Community Center and the replacement of the bulkhead at Garvan Point.”