Kelly & Sredzinski Announce State Funds for New Monroe EMS HQ

MONROE-State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) and State Rep. J.P. Sredzinski (R-112) applauded the state’s announcement of $500,000 to build a headquarters for the volunteer emergency medical service of Monroe.

The Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant will go towards the construction of a new Emergency Medical Service (EMS) headquarters which will include adequate garages for emergency vehicles, storage for equipment, training facilities and sleeping quarters. The current EMS headquarters at Jockey Hollow Firehouse has many structural and operational deficiencies, including inadequate vehicle space, a leaky roof, cracks in walls and water damage inside the building on Jockey Hollow Road.

“When taxpayer dollars are invested, they should be directed toward projects which improve key functions of government, such as public safety,” Sen. Kevin Kelly said. “This grant will create a facility which will address the long-term needs of Monroe’s first responders. We congratulate Monroe EMS on this award, and we appreciate that the governor sees the merits of this project. It should go a long way toward making local emergency response services the best that they can possibly be.”

“When it comes to local programs that the state should support, this is an obvious choice. We need to support all our public safety volunteers; these funds will go a long way to pay for their new facility. As the author of the grant, it’s exciting to see it come to fruition,” said Rep. Sredzinski.

Monroe First Selectman Steve Vavrek said, “On behalf of the town of Monroe, I would like to thank, State Rep. Sredzinski and State Senator Kelly for knowing the needs of our town and working so hard for the people of Monroe.”

STEAP was created by the General Assembly in 2001 to fund economic development, community conservation and quality of life projects for smaller non-urban municipalities. The state Office of Policy and Management (OPM) administers and oversees STEAP funded programs.