'Connectivity' Grant Awarded For Vernon's Rockville Section

VERNON, CT — Vernon has received a $400,000 state grant for a project designed to "enhance conditions for walking and bicycling to and within the downtown Rockville area of Vernon."

Mayor Daniel Champagne said Tuesday that the "Rockville Center Connectivity" project will be funded through the Community Connectivity Grant Program administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

The connectivity project will implement recommendations identified in Vernon's Plan of
Conservation and Development as well as its Road Safety Audit. An "existing gap" will be filled for pedestrian and bicycling access within Rockville to make it easier for visitors and for residents to get to local retail and government centers.

"The goal of this project is to make conditions safer and more accommodating for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities," Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. "These improvements will encourage a healthier and more environmentally sustainable choice of transportation, making our downtown center a more accessible place to live, work and visit."

Added Town Engineer David Smith, "This is a great project for both the outdoor enthusiast and the historians that live in or visit Vernon. I look forward to working with the various
stakeholders in our community to implement this portion of a multi-faceted initiative to improve
the accessibility and connectivity of Vernon."