November 10, 2020

STEAP Grant Announced for Trumbull Veterans and First Responders Center

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The Trumbull delegation of the House of Representatives has announced that the Town of Trumbull will be awarded a $128,205 grant through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) to complete the Phase 1 demolition, design, and site preparation for a new Trumbull Veterans and First Responder Center, which will be located at the site of the current Trumbull Veterans Center on Katz Pond. This funding will be matched by $20,585 from the town.

The current building was built in 1940 but was condemned in 2017 due to structural damage deemed unrepairable. The new center will provide space for veteran organizations and services for veterans (meetings, social gatherings, job skills, social services and access to health care services), first responder training with an emphasis on police and dive team training, and a space for community and civic groups to hold events.

“Receiving a state grant which moves construction of the Trumbull Veterans and First Responder Center forward couldn’t come at a better time. I want the thank Ray Baldwin for his work and continued advocacy,” said Rep. David Rutigliano. This week we commemorate Veterans Day, a day to honor those that have served in the United States Armed Forces and many veterans have talked to me personally about the need for a new building to better serve area veterans and the Trumbull community, I am glad that we can help with first step.”

“This space will provide resources that we have been sorely lacking and demonstrate our town’s commitment to those who have served,” said Rep. Laura Devlin. “This project is a much-needed upgrade both for our veterans and the community at large. I look forward to its completion and am grateful that the state has recognized the importance of getting this project off the ground.”

“This specialized first responder training will prove to be an asset for Trumbull and our surrounding towns,” added Rep. Ben McGorty, who has served for over twenty-five years as a firefighter in Shelton. “This is a necessary investment for our veterans, our community and public safety that deserves to be a priority.”

More than $11 million in state funding for grants was recently awarded through the STEAP to 94 small towns across Connecticut for various infrastructure improvement projects. This is the first time since 2016 that the state has awarded STEAP funding.