Senators Witkos and Roraback Announce the Release of Federal Stimulus Funding for Torrington Downtown Revitalization Project

State Senators Kevin Witkos (R-Canton) and Andrew Roraback (R-Goshen) today announced that federal funding has been awarded to the city of Torrington for the construction and rehabilitation of sidewalks near in the downtown area. The $367,000 grant, revealed this morning by Gov. M. Jodi Rell, is part of a $3.6 million federal stimulus award that will fund a variety of infrastructure and community development projects across Connecticut.

“The federal stimulus program was created to make much needed improvements to our nation’s infrastructure,” said Sen. Witkos. “This funding not only makes such improvements, but it comes at a time when the city of Torrington itself is making improvements to lure people and businesses back to the downtown area. This is a very wise use of stimulus money and something that I am very happy to see moving forward.”

According to the governor’s office, the city will replace 9,000 feet of sidewalks on Water Street from Main to Prospect Streets; an area that has been severely affected by foreclosures. City officials believe the project, which is adjacent to the downtown area, will complement the city revitalization plan by improving accessibility and mobility on the street and enhancing the image for existing residents and future investors.

“The revitalization effort underway in downtown Torrington has signaled the beginning of the city’s economic recovery,” said Sen. Roraback. “Connecticut is allocating its federal stimulus grants to projects that will create demand for jobs and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods across Connecticut. This grant will help accomplish those goals by making the downtown area a more attractive place in which to live and do business.”

Torrington is one of six communities in the state that will be receiving funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) announced today. The state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has already approved their community development plans.