$500,000 STATE GRANT APPROVED FOR ROUTE 1 SIDEWALKS IN OLD SAYBROOK

Fortuna, Formica, Needleman, Carney Applaud Investment

 OLD SAYBROOK, CT – Old Saybrook has been approved to receive $500,000 in state funding for sidewalks on Route 1 from the Westbrook town line to Old Post Road.

The grant is provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), a state program managed by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding from the state which has made it possible for us to finish an important piece of our sidewalk infrastructure,” said Carl P. Fortuna, Jr. First Selectman, Town of Old Saybrook. “Not only will we be able to realize a long-term goal of joining our sidewalks with our neighboring community of Westbrook but we will be providing safe, convenient access to a busy and growing shopping area and supporting the five-year commitment we have made to making our community more walkable for our residents. We thank our state legislators, the State Bond Commission and OPM for supporting us in these important infrastructure improvements.”

“Our sidewalks are vital to public safety, accessibility, and economic development. They are part of our infrastructure that connects people to local businesses and recreation, as well as to one another,” said Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore Paul Formica (R-20). “Thank you to the state for recognizing the importance of this investment and thank you to so many in Old Saybrook including town leaders and local officials for your advocacy and collaboration in support of our town, local economic development, and quality of life.”

“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont in making this approvals, which will benefit infrastructure in our communities,” said Senator Norm Needleman (D-33). “It will allow for installing new sidewalks on Boston Post Road for pedestrian access in Old Saybrook. Notably, this project in Old Saybrook was designed to connect with a similar project in Westbrook, aiding residents of both towns and an example of effective and strong local collaboration. I’m encouraged to see this important local project move forward.”

“The recently announced STEAP grants are more good news for Old Saybrook and Westbrook pedestrians,” said Representative Devin Carney (R-23). “The grants and matching funds from the towns will help complete the sidewalk project along Route One and bring more foot traffic for local businesses while improving pedestrian safety. These grants will also go a long way for the community at VISTA and allow more people to walk to work or school.”

The $500,000 in state funding will be matched by $347,200 from the town.