SMALL TOWN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INVESTS IN LOCAL ECONOMIES AND JOB GROWTH

March 3, 2014

Announces First Round of 2014 STEAP Funding Will Go To Avon, Chester, Farmington, Milford, New Milford and Sprague

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced the first round of 2014 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants, a total of more than $2.4 million, will be awarded to Avon, Chester, Farmington, Milford, New Milford and Sprague. 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.

“Over the last three years, we have worked with our partners in towns across the state to identify and invest in important capital projects that are growing jobs and local economies, strengthening local infrastructure and encouraging business growth,” said Governor Malloy. “STEAP has allowed us to get money directly to municipalities to complete projects that are benefiting residents now and helping small towns maintain the unique qualities that are a large part of what makes Connecticut such a great place to live, work and visit.”

The following projects make up the first round of this year’s STEAP grants, which were awarded in consideration of project readiness and impact on overall regional economic development. The STEAP grant award process will operate on a rolling basis with periodic award announcements throughout the year.

Avon: $450,000 for Village Center Streetscape Improvement Project

The Town of Avon applied for funding that would cover the last two phases of a four phase project that consists of installing handicap accessible sidewalks and decorative lighting in Avon Village Center. Both Phases Three and Four would go out to bid in early 2014 and construction would take place in the summer and fall of 2014.

“I am happy to see generous funding come to Avon. With this new support, we will be able to continue enhancing and extending our sidewalk system, making the town’s commercial center more accessible to everyone,” said State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8). “I look forward to seeing the project completed and watching our community enjoy the transformed Village Center.”

“This initiative on the part of the Town of Avon is just what the STEAP Award program is designed to facilitate,” said State Representative Timothy B. LeGeyt (R-17). “Improvements such as the Village Center Streetscape Project will stimulate the local economy is many ways and therefore, the State award of $450,000 will make a positive contribution to life in the Town of Avon.”

“The Town of Avon is very pleased with news of this award, which will allow us to complete the final phase of our Streetscape Improvement Project,” said Avon Town Manager Brandon Robertson. “This project represents the best of public-private-partnerships in that the sources of funding were comprised of state aid, local funding and in-kind services, and charitable contributions from residents. The decorative lighting, granite curbing, and new sidewalks have positively impacted both the aesthetics and the navigability of our village center.”