New Milford Lawmakers Applaud STEAP Grant Announcement

HARTFORD—New Milford’s legislative delegation today applauded news that the town’s Senior Center will receive Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) funding for the expansion of its recreation room.

The $498,000 STEAP grant announced Wednesday by Gov. Malloy’s office will allow the center to keep more of its activities on-site by doubling the room’s square footage. State Reps. Cecilia Buck-Taylor (67th District) and Richard A. Smith (108th District), with state Sen. Clark Chapin (30th District), wrote to the state’s Office of Policy and Management back in September to offer their support for the town’s application.

The New Milford Senior Center operates out of the Paul S. Richmond Center on Main Street and is an important resource for the town’s growing senior population.

“For so many people in just about every city and town, senior centers are vital resources for everything from financial and lifestyle counseling to social and community involvement to nutrition and needed transportation,” Buck-Taylor said. “Here in New Milford, it’s no different. This is a great allocation for this type of funding source. It will go a long way to ensuring our senior center remains a vibrant, supportive and welcoming facility for residents.”

“I am pleased the New Milford Senior Center will be able to use this funding to develop its space, and continue providing quality programming and activities that improve the overall well-being of our cherished senior citizens,” Smith said. “This Senior Center serves people who have called New Milford and Connecticut ‘home’ most, if not all of their lives. It plays a vital role in our senior community and this expansion will increase its activity.”

The three New Milford legislators thanked state officials for approving the grant application, and added that the recreation room expansion also increases the safe level of maximum capacity.

“Congratulations to the Town of New Milford for putting together a strong STEAP Grant application,” Chapin said. “I’m grateful to the Governor’s Office and the Office of Policy and Management for their recognition of the worth in increasing opportunities for additional activities for New Milford seniors.”