SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington town officials recently said "yes" to an initiative aimed at improving sustainability in town.
The Southington Town Council voted unanimously on April 13 to move forward with joining the Sustainable CT Matching Grant Program, advancing a proposal brought by a local garden club representative and setting up next steps for staff.
At its regular meeting at the municipal center, the council authorized Southington Town Manager Alex Ricciardone to draft a resolution to enroll Southington in the statewide initiative.
The vote followed a presentation by Christine Kuriger of the Orchard Valley Garden Club in Southington, who asked the town to opt in.
Kuriger said the program offers dollar-for-dollar matching grants of up to $6,000 per project and technical assistance for community-driven efforts such as habitat restoration, bike safety initiatives, invasive species removal, and “buy local” campaigns.
Registration is free, she said, and participation levels are flexible.
“Sustainable Connecticut … supports organizing work in Connecticut,” Kuriger told the council, adding that the program has funded more than $4.7 million in projects since 2018 and now includes about 140 municipalities.
She said certification is optional, and the only formal requirement is designating a municipal contact.
Ricciardone said he invited Kuriger to present because he was “woefully uneducated on the sustainable program” and wanted the council to hear details directly.
Councilor Christopher Palmieri made the motion to have the town manager prepare the resolution, seconded by Councilor Michael DelSanto.
Palmieri suggested Southington Assistant Town Planner Dave Lavallee serve as the town’s contact person for the program.
Councilor Jennifer Clock said the proposal aligns with sustainability goals outlined in the town’s 2016 and 2026 plans of conservation and development.
No opposition was voiced before the roll-call vote, which passed unanimously.
If a resolution is adopted at a future meeting, Southington would formally register with Sustainable CT, enabling local organizations, schools, and residents to pursue matching grants with town coordination.
Kuriger encouraged participation in upcoming trainings and noted a state Capitol event highlighting municipal sustainability efforts.
For the minutes of the April 13 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.
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