May 19, 2014

Bolinsky, Newtown State Delegation Announces State Grant

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NEWTOWN- State Reps. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106), Dan Carter and DebraLee Hovey are excited to announce a $500,000 state grant for the Town of Newtown for its Hawleyville Sewer Extension Project. The State Bond Commission will meet soon to allocate general obligation funds, although the delegation has been assured by a member of the bond commission that the “Small Town Economic Assistance Program” (STEAP) grants are already approved and funded, including the $500,000 for which Newtown applied.

The Hawleyville sewer system expansion would extend sewer mains from 166 Mt Pleasant Road eastward along Mt Pleasant Road to its intersection with Hawleyville Road. The sewer mains also would extend northward along sections of Hawleyville Road and Covered Bridge Road.

Expanding the Hawleyville sewer system will provide necessary infrastructure changes to make the area more attractive to developers of commercial or industrial projects on several land parcels in Newtown.

Rep. Bolinsky said, “Just a couple days before the end of the 2014 legislative session, we became aware of the possibility we could lock-in and expedite this very desirable grant money. This STEAP grant is a welcome infusion of cash to help Newtown’s efforts to bring the much-needed Hawleyville sewer line extension to fruition. This line is needed to spur the economic development necessary to grow our local tax base without further burdening homeowners. Once fully underway, the project will provide local construction jobs as well as longer-term employment opportunities once development occurs and businesses open. The Exit 9 corridor provides attractive, highway-accessible, yet undeveloped sites for responsible development and now, the last remaining infrastructure element is being put in place to make success possible. I am so excited we were able to make this happen as quickly as we did!”

“Investing in important infrastructure upgrades like these benefits the entire community and I’m happy these funds are being made available for Newtown,” Rep. Hovey said.

“This grant will help open up the door for greater economic development within our community – this is great news for Newtown taxpayers,” Rep. Carter said. “This investment helps set the stage for opportunities as we seek to position Newtown as a regional destination for growth.”