December 27, 2011

State Grants on the Way for Cromwell, Portland Infastructure & Economic Development Projects

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HARTFORD — Governor Dannel P. Malloy and State Rep. Christie Carpino today announced that the towns of Cromwell and Portland have each been awarded Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants for various capital improvement projects. “These capital grants are important for many towns as they look to make repairs to critical infrastructure or promote economic development,” Malloy said. “At a time budgets are stretched to the limit, we can and must maintain our commitment to improving the overall quality of life for our residents.”

Cromwell: $500,000 for County Line Road and Route 3
The Town of Cromwell will receive a $500,000 grant for the development of the Cromwell Industrial Park and to improve County Line Road and Connecticut Route 3. Funding will be used to improve the converted transfer station driveway, now County Line Road, to meet local public road specifications, and to improve Route 3 to manage increased traffic flow from future development.

“Encouraging job growth in the private sector should be at the top of every legislator’s agenda, and the state’s financial support of this project will better position Cromwell in its efforts to grow and diversify its tax base and attract the type of jobs that can support families,” State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell, Middletown, Portland) said. “This grant is an example of the positive role the state can play in economic development.”

Portland: $230,000 for recreational complex
The Town of Portland will receive a $230,000 grant for the design of a recreational complex on 23 acres of municipally-owned property on Gospel Lane in the vicinity of Strickland Street. The property will be used for a variety of recreational purposes, including athletic fields, a concessions stand, a pavilion, walking paths, basketball and tennis courts, and a parking lot. Events planned at the site will attract local and out-of-town visitors to the community, resulting in a positive impact on local businesses.

“A community’s amenities are one of first factors up for consideration when anyone, whether it’s a family or a business, decides whether they want to grow roots there,” Carpino said. “Recreation is an important piece of that pie, and this grant will help Portland enhance its reputation as a community that offers a great quality of life to folks who choose to call it home.”

The State Bond Commission, under Governor Malloy’s leadership, allocated $20 million for STEAP grants on September 23, 2011. The awards, which will be awarded to small towns from throughout the state, were granted in part due to project readiness and their impact on overall regional economic development.