April 21, 2015

Zupkus Applauds Grant for Bethany Recreation Center

This article was archived from the previous WordPress site. Formatting and media should be close, but may not match the original post perfectly.

State awards Bethany $500,000 STEAP grant for recreation building, emergency shelter

Hartford –Representative Lezlye Zupkus (R-Prospect, Cheshire, Bethany) applauds the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant for Bethany during the announcement last week. Administered by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM), STEAP provides funding for local capital improvement projects that support economic development, encourage community conservation and improve the quality of life for residents.

“These funds will allow the Town of Bethany to do much-needed work to convert unused space into an upgraded recreation building that will provide a place for our residents to gather for activities and programs,” said Zupkus. “It is important that families and individuals have a safe, clean space for leisure activities and community events.”

The town of Bethany has been awarded $500,000 to convert the old Bethany airport hangar into a recreation building and emergency shelter. The building will become the hub for recreation grounds serving over 1,100 participants in outdoor and indoor activities. The new addition of indoor space would significantly expand the number of recreation programs and participants. It will be an accessible, conveniently located community asset in an area being considered as a “village center,” that will be an incentive for expanded and new businesses.

The historic airport opened in 1923 and is one of the oldest in New England, although it hasn’t been used as an airport since the mid-1960s. It also was a hub for early aerial advertising. One of the hangars had “Welcome to the U.S.A., Bethany Conn.” as the airport was sometimes seen from the sky by those on international flights. Charles Lindbergh also landed on the property in 1927.

Zupkus added, “I applaud the committee’s work and their continued to focus on this project and the improvement of the quality of life for our residents. An important piece of our town’s history and pride will be preserved and showcased for visitors to learn about and enjoy.”

The building will also serve as an emergency shelter during severe storms and extensive power outages.

Bethany is one of six towns throughout Connecticut receiving a STEAP grant award for the purposes of funding a variety of economic development, community conservation and quality-of-life projects.

###