State Funding Announced For Fountain Lake Industrial Park In Derby

DERBY, CT — State and city officials announced on Tuesday that Derby will receive a $250,000 Community Investment Fund state grant to help plan for the development of the 30-acre Fountain Lake Industrial Park.

According to a news release provided by State Senator Jorge Cabrera's office, the Fountain Lake Industrial Park could see as many as a dozen industrial lots and an expansion of Derby's municipal tax base when fully developed.

The grant was approved Tuesday and will be used to conduct site surveys, environmental assessments, draw conceptual plans for roads and utilities and conduct a marketing and economic impact study, according to the release.

Derby's legislative delegation wrote a letter on Dec. 2, 2025, supporting the town's application, according to the release.

"It's huge," Mayor Joseph DiMartino said in a news release. "Right now it's just an empty, virgin lot. This grant will allow us to begin opening up manufacturing in Derby. We can work in partnership with Ansonia, and this could eventually be a job funnel for Derby High School students to get internships and move into full-time jobs."

The city applied for the state grant in December, according to the release.

"Derby has been looking to develop this site and expand its tax base for some time," Cabrera (D-Hamden) said in a news release, "but there's always a hump to get over, and that's finding the money to do some preliminary site work and studies. Fortunately, the state came through today with this CIF grant. I'm really looking forward to watching Fountain Lake grow and develop, and I expect the state will be a partner in that future development as well."

State Rep. Mary Welander (D–Derby, Hamden, Orange, Woodbridge) said the funding represents a meaningful step forward toward the continued revitalization of Derby.

"Developing a comprehensive plan for Fountain Lake Industrial Park will help position the site for future investment, job creation and economic growth," Welander said in a news release. "I am grateful to everyone at the state and local level who worked together to make this investment a reality."

State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D-Derby, Ansonia) said the funding is a pivotal investment in Derby's economic growth.

"By investing in the planning and infrastructure needed to support the industrial development of this site, we are opening opportunities for economic development and job growth in Derby," Rochelle said in a news release. "Development of this site will also bring grand list growth, which can help stabilize or lower taxes. I am grateful for the strong teamwork between the state and local level to deliver this funding and invest in Derby's future."