West Hartford Receives $2M State Grant For Project

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Friday that five projects in towns and cities across Connecticut will receive approximately $8.5 million in funding under the second phase of the 2017 Responsible Growth and Transit Oriented Development Grants – a competitive grant program that supports transit-oriented development and responsible growth in the state and is targeted at boosting economic activity and creating jobs. The grants come under the second round of state’s Responsible Growth and Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) and relies on a combination of funding from the Responsible Growth Incentive Fund and the Transit-Oriented Development and Pre-development Fund, according to a news release.

“Transportation isn’t just about cars, trains, and buses – it’s about building vibrant communities and continuing to make Connecticut a more attractive place to live, visit, and do business,” Malloy said in a statement. “Today’s grant awards will build upon the smart, targeted investments we have made in recent years, which have already lead to significant growth in transit-oriented development across the state.”

In April 2017, OPM released a request for applications for the grant program, and the State Bond Commission approved a total of $15 million to be used – comprised of $5 million from the Responsible Growth Incentive Fund and $10 million from the Transit-Oriented Development and Pre-development Fund. Following that, OPM – with input from other state agencies – reviewed, rated, and ranked each of the proposals. The first round of grants were released in December 2017 and totaled $4.5 million.

“These projects are essential to moving Connecticut’s economy forward,” OPM Secretary Ben Barnes said. “Our state’s recovery requires a first-class transportation system with strong business growth at the local level and these grants will help foster that ascension in the communities we call home. The jobs created by these projects and the infrastructure enhancements will not only benefit us in the short-term, but for generations to come.”

The following project in West Hartford was approved to receive the grant under the second round:

• West Hartford – New Park Avenue Complete Streets Implementation: $2,000,000 to construct complete streets infrastructure improvements along New Park Avenue from New Britain Avenue to Oakwood Avenue, consistent with the recommendations of the 2017 New Park Avenue Transit Area Complete Streets Study. Improvements include a road diet with center turn lane, landscaped medians and protected bike lanes, new street trees, lighting, wayfinding signage and other amenities, and a pocket park at the gateway to the Trout Brook Trail.

Image via Shutterstock