With $4.5M In State Bond Funding, New Police Building Project Underway

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — Friday, the State Bond Commission is set to approve a $4.5 million grant to move forward with the long-planned construction of the new police department, according to state Rep. Vincent Candelora.

“This vote is a result of the collaborative efforts of all involved, from the town, its elected officials, state officials and advocates for this project who have worked tirelessly over the years to reach this point," Candelora said.

“We are truly grateful for everyone’s involvement, especially the town council members who have worked tirelessly to provide cost-effective services to its residents.”

The estimated cost of the project is $13 million.

“The Grant-In-Aid submitted by Representative Candelora to Governor Lamont to help finance $4.5 million toward the construction of a new police facility comes as a welcome relief to the citizens of North Branford and the North Branford Police," North Branford Chief of Police Kevin Halloran was quoted as saying.

Candelora and Chairman of the North Branford Police Commission Victor Pietrandrea worked together on this potential funding for some time, Halloran said.

The current North Branford Police Department facility is in very poor condition and does not meet the current standards for accreditation purposes, it was noted in a news release.

The current facility, at 260 Forest Road in Northford, was built in 1970 and "is at the end of its life as useful for policing," per officials.

In the works for more than five years to find a suitable location and modern design, the project is finally moving forward and went out to bid June 24.

The new police station will be located at 305 Forest Road, just up the road from its current location.

The bids for the construction of the new facility ranged between $12.1 million and $12.9 million, officials said.