Candelora, Cohen Hail Grant for North Branford Police Department Project

HARTFORD — State Rep. Vincent Candelora and state Sen. Christine Cohen on Monday applauded news of $128,000 in state funding to aid in the construction of a new police department in North Branford. The grant, announced by Gov. Ned Lamont, is supplied through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) that's coordinated by the state's Office of Policy and Management. Candelora and Cohen, both of whom represent the town in the General Assembly, lobbied for the funding. The current facility, built in 1974 and renovated in 1993, has considerable deficiencies that include insufficient staff and public space, aging heating and cooling mechanicals, and a leaky roof. "To say that our community has squeezed everything possible out of the existing facility would be an understatement, and I'm thankful that the state will be able to supply money to offset a bit of the town's cost," said Rep. Candelora, who serves the 86th House District. "Aside from improving morale among staff, a new and improved facility will benefit our community greatly by providing personnel the space and technological advancements they'll use to be even more effective at their jobs." Overall, the project is expected to cost $7.5 million. Among the problems at the current facility are: outdated cell blocks, obsolete locker and shower rooms, insufficient separation and security in its technology area, an undersized sally port, and an inadequate lobby. "I am pleased to have joined my colleagues in the state legislature in passing a bonding bill that provides some of the funding for this new North Branford police station,” said Senator Cohen (D-Guilford), who voted last spring for the STEAP funding that was part of that state bond package. “As local officials noted when they applied for these dollars, a new police station will improve public safety, increase efficiency, boost morale and create six dozen construction jobs. I am filled with gratitude for the protection our brave men and women in blue provide to this community and they deserve a building that allows them the ability to more effectively perform their duties." The award was included in an $11 million package divided among 94 small towns that requested state assistance with various infrastructure projects.