State Grant To Help Fund Capital Project In Stafford

STAFFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont Friday announced the release of $24.5 million in state grants for 60 small towns in Connecticut that will be used to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements and a Stafford project is on the list.

The projects include road safety, sewer and drainage upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhancements, recreational facility upgrades, among others.

In Stafford, $209,274 in state funding has been approved for the replacement and paving of the community center parking lot and lower parking area at the Kealy Complex. The grant will be matched by $10,000 in town funds and $21,228 in additional funding.

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. "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.