Norwalk Receives $2 Million In State Funds For Infrastructure Project

NORWALK, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont announced this week Norwalk will receive $2 million in grant funding for the city's Pinnacle Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Project.

According to a news release provided by the city, the funding will be used primarily to repair sidewalks, manage stormwater, install crosswalks, underground utilities and repave and stripe West Avenue, Merwin Street, Berkeley Street, Orchard Street, Butler Street, Quincy Street.

The grant was awarded via a competitive state grant program that supports transit-oriented development and is targeted at boosting economic activity and creating jobs.

"I applaud Governor Lamont for investing in Norwalk's critical transit-oriented infrastructure and thank Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff for his continued leadership in advocating to bring home funds to our city," Mayor Harry Rilling said in a news release. "Our vision in Norwalk is to increase walkability and livability, while combatting the threats of climate change by investing in critical green infrastructure. Funding to install new crosswalks, repair many of our sidewalks and repave several streets within Norwalk's urban corridor will not only create jobs but will enhance safety and encourage more environmentally friendly modes of transportation such as walking and biking. These efforts will help reduce our carbon footprint and ensure Norwalk continues on the path of becoming a more sustainable place to live and work."

The grant application was submitted by the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency as part of the state's Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program, which encourages capital projects located within a half-mile of public transportation facilities, according to the city.

Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Brian Bidolli said he was thankful for the state's support of Norwalk's efforts to revitalize its urban core.

"This transit-oriented development project and its accompanying infrastructure improvements will continue Norwalk's revitalization in its urban core, creating increased mobility for residents and a better environment for economic opportunities and jobs," Bidolli said in a news release. "I thank Governor Lamont and our state legislators for all of their continued support of our redevelopment efforts."

Duff said transit-oriented developments are attractive for a variety of reasons, from economic and environmental to growing populations in thriving cities like Norwalk.

"I want to thank Governor Lamont and Mayor Rilling," Duff said in a news release, "and especially Jim Travers and Brian Bidolli for all their hard work in securing this competitive state grant. Norwalk has a great team working for it to maximize our attention and funding from Hartford, and it's really paying off for the people in this great city."

The grant represents a portion of $6.8 million in state grants approved by Lamont to fund seven projects in six municipalities across Connecticut.

"Investments in transportation infrastructure are investments in the future of our communities, our residents, and our businesses," Lamont said in a news release. "Transit-oriented development is more than asphalt and train tracks, it is a comprehensive approach that drives businesses and residents to call our state home. These seven grants for communities across Connecticut will spur further growth, creating the type of state that we all want for our future."