Sen. Gordon Applauds $2.2 Million Investment in Coventry, Hampton & Stafford Communities

State Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock) today applauded a combined $2,204,094 in state funding through the Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to the towns of Coventry, Hampton, and Stafford for transportation infrastructure and safety upgrades in rural communities. The local grants are part of the statewide Transportation Rural Improvement Program (TRIP), a newly created state grant program designed to support rural municipalities, which are often ineligible for many federal transportation programs.

The funding will be allocated for the following projects in the 35^th District:

• Coventry: Pedestrian safety improvements ($498,000)
• Hampton: Airline Trail resurfacing ($822,250)
• Stafford: Levinthal Run multi-use path construction project ($883,844)

“Great news! Thank you to Governor Lamont and Commissioner Eucalitto for supporting our rural communities through these important grants. Also, thank you to the town leaders for working on and putting forward the applications to be considered for this funding. These projects will further our efforts to make northeast Connecticut safe for pedestrians, and to improve access to the natural resources that we all enjoy,” said Sen. Gordon.

The TRIP program is a new competitive grant program supported by state bond funds through the expanded CTDOT Capital Program. In 2023, towns with 50% of the population living in rural areas were eligible to apply in coordination with their respective council of government. Municipalities are required to cover design costs. CTDOT will cover 100% of construction costs.

Gov. Ned Lamont and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto earlier today announced the grant awards, which also include seven other projects across the state.

Additional TRIP grant opportunities will be announced later this year. For more information on the program, visit portal.ct.gov/dot/pp_bureau/trip.