Shelton Receives State Grant Through DEEP's 'Brownfields Into Greenfields' Program

SHELTON, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced Wednesday the release of $680,200 in state grants to support the assessment and remediation of contaminated properties in four municipalities across Connecticut, including Shelton.

According to a news release provided by DEEP, the state grants were released under round three of the department's Brownfields into Greenfields (BiG) Grant Program.

The four municipalities consist of approximately 20 acres of land, according to the release.

According to DEEP, grants announced Wednesday under this round include:

Assessment:

• Shelton Economic Development Corporation: $165,200 grant to conduct environmental assessment and planning work at the 5.78-acre Shelton Canal Lock Restoration area. This funding will support the Shelton Economic Development Corporation's efforts to transform the abandoned canal corridor into a public greenway.

• Town of Woodstock: $150,000 grant to conduct environmental assessment and planning work at a property located on Route 198. This funding will support the Town’s plan to redevelop the 4-acre parcel into the Town’s first municipal park.

Remediation:

• Town of East Hampton: $250,000 grant to conduct cleanup activities at the 3 Walnut Avenue property. This funding will support the Town’s plan to redevelop the 1.53-acre property into a public park.

• Town of East Hartford: $115,000 grant to conduct cleanup activities at Shea Park. This funding will support the Town’s efforts to improve the safety and usability of the 8.9-acre public park.

The funding was awarded to DEEP by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a supplemental Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 128(a) State and Tribal Response Program grant to administer to brownfield sites in Connecticut, according to the release.

The grants, which are administered through DEEP's Brownfields Program, will enable the creation, preservation, or addition of park space, greenways, or other recreational space for public use, according to the release.

DEEP anticipates additional grant opportunities will be available for municipalities and non-profits over the next year to enhance brownfield assessment, cleanup, and the creation of open space across the state, according to the release.

Over the duration of this BiG Grant Program, DEEP has committed to awarding at least 60 percent of the available funds to distressed municipalities located in environmental justice communities, according to the release.

DEEP has awarded a total of $1,915,200 to 11 communities through the BiG grant since 2024, the release notes.

"DEEP is proud to work with federal partners, municipalities and NGOs to facilitate redevelopment of brownfields and creation of open space in large and small communities across Connecticut," Commissioner Katie Dykes said in a news release. "The BiG Grant Program allows DEEP to assist our municipal partners and non-profit organizations in their continuing efforts to turn brownfields that pose an environmental and economic burden into assets that make these communities better places to live, work and play. DEEP greatly appreciates the partnerships with EPA and local leaders to support brownfields redevelopment in Connecticut."