Senator Kane Applauds STEAP Grants For Local Communities

State Senator Rob Kane (R-32) announced today that several area communities will benefit from the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants approved by the State Bond Commission on September 25th.

The state awards STEAP grants to eligible communities for capital projects, including certain types of economic development projects and social service-related projects; recreation and solid waste disposal projects; housing projects; pilot historic preservation and redevelopment programs that leverage private funds; and other kinds of development projects involving economic and community development, transportation, environmental protection, public safety, children and families and social service programs.

“These grants are especially welcome during this difficult economic time, and I want to thank Governor M. Jodi Rell for her support in helping our smaller communities pay for worthwhile local projects. It is my hope that state assistance will help local governments avoid the possibility of raising property taxes to pay for these projects,” said Senator Kane.

Communities awarded STEAP grants include:

• Bethlehem – $150,000 for rehabilitation of Munger Lane, including drainage improvements and repaving.
• Middlebury – $203,780 for construction of two all-weather tennis courts at Middleview Park.
• Oxford – $200,000 for planning, engineering and construction of Christian Street – Phase III.
• Roxbury – $200,000 for upgrading the Roxbury Fire House.
• Seymour – $50,000 for construction of two new tennis courts at French Park.
• Seymour – $150,000 for continuation of the sidewalk replacement program.
• Southbury – $200,000 for renovation of Ballantine Park.
• Watertown – $200,000 for development of a walkway along a portion of the Steele Brook stream corridor.
• Woodbury – $200,000 for installation of drainage, widening and straightening of Brushy Hill Road.