State Awards STEAP Grants to Nine Towns in 32nd Senate District

November 10, 2020

Senator Berthel thanks state for investments in Bridgewater, Bethlehem, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Watertown, Washington and Woodbury

Senator Eric Berthel (R-Watertown) today applauded the administration’s approval of nine infrastructure improvement grants for the 32nd Senate District through the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP).

“I would like to applaud the state for recognizing the needs of the communities in our region and the importance of maintaining and modernizing our town infrastructure, equipment and facilities,” said Sen. Berthel. “I’ve publicly supported projects such as these and am pleased that the state recognizes the needs of those in our community to provide each resident with the best possible quality of life.”

The grants include awards for the following towns:

  • Bridgewater: $100,000 in state funding has been approved for Phase 2 of the Bridgewater Community Center, including the demolition and remediation of the existing structure to rebuild with salvaged materials. This will be matched by $50,000 from the town.
  • Bethlehem: $128,205 in state funding has been approved for the purchase of self-contained breathing units for the fire department as part of its COVID-19 response. This will be matched by $21,582 from the town.
  • Oxford: $128,205 in state funding has been approved for the design and construction of a sewer pump station for the industrial park. This will be matched by $321,975 from the town.
  • Roxbury: $128,205 in state funding has been approved for a new keycard entry system, audio, and visual technology upgrades at the town. This will be matched by $21,795 from the town.
  • Seymour: $128,205 in state funding has been approved for a new building for equipment storage and the replacement of the gasoline system at the Seymour Public Works facility. This will be matched by $155,487.75 from the town.
  • Southbury: $128,205 in state funding has been approved for the construction of a municipal fueling station. This will be matched by $510,000 from the town.
  • Watertown: $128,205 in state funding has been approved for the design and construction of intersection signalization and sidewalks on Main Street. This will be matched by $128,205 from the town.
  • Washington: $128,000 in state funding has been approved to rebuild and modernize the transfer station. This will be matched by $200,000 from the town.
  • Woodbury: $128,000 in state funding has been approved for the constriction of sidewalks at Main Street North.

The STEAP grants are part of a state effort to help municipalities and boost the economy with local investments. For this round of funding, the state implemented a special COVID-19 provision to support towns with expenditures related to their ongoing response to the pandemic, including for new construction, expansion, renovation, or replacement of existing facilities.