Old Saybrook Delegation Announces Bond Funding for Sidewalk Completion

Today, the Old Saybrook delegation including State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), State Senator Paul Formica (R-Old Saybrook) and State Representative Devin Carney (R-Old Saybrook) announced that the town will receive grant funding from the State Bond Commission, with its approval of a funding release today, that will aid the completion of a sidewalk system around town.

“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of our local community,” said Sen. Needleman. “Completing sidewalks around the entire town will provide important resources for recreation, exercise, commuting and reducing traffic, benefitting our entire town.”

“Our sidewalks are an important piece of our community’s infrastructure, and are vital to public safety, accessibility, and economic development,” said Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore Paul Formica (R-East Lyme). “I applaud the bipartisan effort of so many advocating for Old Saybrook and the state investment in projects that help enhance the town and better connect people to local businesses, to recreation, and – most of all – to each other. Thanks to the bond commission for their bipartisan support and approval of this local investment.”

“These funds will help Old Saybrook complete the sidewalk project and give pedestrians more safe options to get around town, support local businesses with more foot traffic, and improve connectivity between neighborhoods,” said Rep. Carney.

“Old Saybrook is an incredible community, and creating sidewalks throughout the town will improve accessibility for everyone who lives in the area,” said Governor Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission.

“This is great news,” said First Selectman Carl Fortuna. “On behalf of our residents, visitors and those that will travel between the towns of Westbrook and Old Saybrook, I want to thank the Governor and our Old Saybrook delegation for consideration of this project. The completion of this project will provide safe passage for pedestrians from the Westbrook border all the way to Saybrook Point, town center and Saybrook Junction. Old Saybrook has been meaningfully investing in its sidewalks for nearly 5 years; these funds will allow us to realize a goal set by town leadership to make certain that all ages and abilities can safely traverse throughout our town for recreational and commercial needs.”

The State Bond Commission today approved $769,500 in grant funding to support the completion of a sidewalk system around town. That system’s development was coordinated with the Town of Westbrook and provides pedestrian and bicyclist options to residents among many other advantages.