Lt. Governor Praises Grant Award For Windsor Locks Train Station

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz joined several state and local dignitaries Thursday morning at the historic train station on Main Street, applauding the approval of more than $128,000 in state funding earmarked for Phase 3 construction and restoration of the station and welcome center.

The grant of $128,205 approved by Gov. Ned Lamont in November is among more than $11 million in state grant funding through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) which was awarded to 94 small towns across Connecticut for various infrastructure improvement projects. This was the first time since 2016 that the state awarded STEAP funding.

Built in 1875, the station was "a hub for the Windsor Locks community during World War II," Bysiewicz said, adding many servicemen and women departed from the station. She also proudly recalled Ella Grasso leaving from the station to travel to Hartford for her inauguration as the first female governor in the United States to be elected in her own right.

First Selectman Chris Kervick thanked State Rep. Jane Garibay and State Sen. John Kissel for their support and endorsement of the grant application. He said just north of the existing building will begin a 500-foot platform for the Hartford Line station.

"In the past two years especially, I've gotten to know Windsor Locks and its people," Garibay said. "They are very passionate. I've never seen such an interest in history."

Director of Planning and Development Jen Rodriguez said the station is one of just two properties that were not razed during the urban renewal project of the 1970s, which she called "a huge loss.".

"With the station platform starting only feet north of this structure, this will be an important connection, in a heartfelt way," Rodriguez said. "The community members will feel something very special happening when this gets completed.

The state funding will be matched by $32,225 from the town.

"A portion of the $32,225 has been raised by the Windsor Locks Middle School history club and its annual Heritage Day activities," Bysiewicz said.

Kervick said he expects work to begin in early 2021.

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