State Grant To Help Fund Sports Fields Upgrades In Shelton

SHELTON, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday the release of $24.5 million in state grants for 60 small towns, including Shelton, that will be used to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements.

According to a news release provided by the governor's office, $500,000 in state funding was approved for upgrades to sports fields in Shelton. This will be matched by $523,100 in town funds.

The grants are provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program or STEAP. STEAP grants are part of a state program managed by the Office of Policy and Management that assists small towns with economic development, community conservation and quality-of-life capital projects.

"Our small towns are an integral part of what makes Connecticut such a special place to live and work," Lamont said in a news release. "By working with them on these grants, the state can help get these vital projects completed so these towns can continue to grow, thrive, and attract businesses, while improving the quality of life for our residents."

Towns seeking funding under this round of STEAP grants were required to submit applications to OPM by Aug. 18. Those whose applications have been approved will soon receive official award notification and instructions from OPM.

Funding to support the grants was approved at a recent meeting of the State Bond Commission, a group that Lamont chairs. In addition to the grants from the state, municipalities are also contributing funding to support the projects, bringing the total spent on the 60 projects to $46.7 million in state, local and other funding sources.