Naugatuck To Receive State Grant For Infrastructure Improvements

NAUGATUCK, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont announced Tuesday the state is awarding approximately $36.5 million in grants to eight cities and towns, including Naugatuck, under the second round of his administration's recently launched Connecticut Communities Challenge Grant program.

According to a news release, the program was created in 2021 with the purpose of funding a wide range of revitalization projects that will spur the growth of thousands of new jobs.

It is part of Lamont's Economic Action Plan, a strategic package of initiatives that total more than $750 million over five years and is matched approximately dollar-for-dollar by private, non-state funding that will result in a projected 80,000 new jobs, according to the state.

"We created this grant program as a component of our efforts to spur economic growth and the creation of new jobs as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic," Lamont said in a news release. "Each of these approved state grants are going toward projects that improve the livability and quality of life in communities and will make these neighborhoods even more attractive for private investments and opportunities for residents."

According to the state, Naugatuck is set to receive:

• Naugatuck ($6 million grant award; $17.3 million total project cost; Rubber Avenue, New South Water Street, Old Firehouse Road, Church Street, and Maple Streets): Naugatuck and its private partner, Pennrose LLC, will provide infrastructure and site improvements to a large, underutilized parcel located 500 feet from the downtown green and directly adjacent to the site of the borough’s forthcoming train station. Pennrose and the borough plan to develop the parcel with 180 housing units (80 percent of which will be affordable at various income levels), as well as 7,320 square feet of commercial space.

"These projects will bring foot traffic, mixed-use environments, and a significant number of new housing units to eight Connecticut communities," DECD Deputy Commissioner Alexandra Daum said in a news release. "These investments are focused on in-fill opportunities in downtown and main street areas with existing centers of development and activity. In addition to increasing the livability of our communities, stimulating transit-oriented development is another key goal of this program. Many of the awards under this second round will go to projects located within a quick walk from transit options, helping to get Connecticut residents off the roads and onto our excellent transit system."

The grants under this second round will leverage approximately $143.5 million in non-state, private dollars and will support projects that improve the livability, vibrancy and equity of communities throughout the state. Consistent with the goals of the program, more than half of the funding will be invested in distressed municipalities, according to the state.

The first round of grants under this program was released in April and included $45 million to support projects in 12 towns and cities. A third round is expected to launch in early 2023.