Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the towns of Fairfield and Greenwich were among the communities that won $20 million in Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants for capital improvement projects. The funds were approved last week by the State Bond Commission, which he controls.
“Tough economic times make STEAP grants all the more important because they allow us to improve the overall quality of life, while creating jobs and stimulating the local economy,” Malloy said in a statement. “Whether it’s the improvement of a public space or renewed investment in a municipal facility, these grants allow towns across our state to move forward with capital projects that will benefit residents, both locally and across the region.”
Fairfield gets $400,000 to rebuild the main Penfield Pavilion parking lot, add and rebuilt approximately 2,100 feet of sidewalks on the Penfield side of the road, as well as landscaping.
“This will allow the town to use pavers for the parking lot, which I understand the town requires homeowners in the beach area to use to restrict run off which is good for the environment,” said state Rep. Brenda Kupchick, R-Fairfield.“Residents in Fairfield send a lot of money in the way of taxes to Hartford, so it’s helpful to have some of it return in way of a grant to assist with a project for Fairfield and many surrounding communities that use and enjoy the beach.”
“I’m delighted that we could bring financial assistance to Fairfield to make these important improvements,” said Rep. Kim Fawcett, D-Fairfield. “Reconstructing the Penfield Pavilion parking lot and building additional sidewalks are critical.”
Greenwich will get $100,000 to help renovate and expand the town’s Department of Health Laboratory. Some of its services include blood testing for lead, cholesterol and Lyme disease.
“I strongly applaud the decision to award this funding to the Town of Greenwich for the renovation and expansion of the Department of Health Laboratory,” said Sen. L. Scott Frantz, R-Greenwich. “This grant will benefit the health and wellness of our citizens by improving the facility’s environmental and clinical services, including testing for lead, chemicals, rabies and Lyme disease.”
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