5 towns awarded $1.8M in STEAP grants

(WTNH) - Five towns were awarded Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants to assist with improvement projects in their areas.

In total, $1,854,350 in grant money was awarded to the towns on Tolland, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Chaplin and Columbia.

Governor Dannel Malloy visited to deliver the good news in person.

"Traveling around Connecticut to announce these grants is a great opportunity to see the hard work local officials are doing to strengthen our small towns," said Governor Malloy. "I commend them for their leadership on behalf of the residents they serve, and for the commitment to ensuring these important projects get done. These initiatives represent the partnership between state government and our citizens, and are an important component of strengthening our statewide economy."

Tolland was awarded $394,350 to construct an ADA-compliant multi-use concession facility at Cross Farms Recreational Complex. This is the final phase of the project that will also later include an ADA-accessible playground.
 
Pomfret was awarded $500,000 to design and construct an emergency response center that will house Ambulance Service, the town emergency operations center and local constables. The new space will also have conference rooms and offices for the first responders. This project is expected to create or retain 10-12 jobs.
 
Brooklyn was awarded $500,000 for roadway improvements on Allen Hill Road and South Street, including the installation of guardrails. This project will improve road conditions and drainage on five miles of deteriorating road.
 
The town of Chaplin was awarded $300,000 to design, plan and reconstruct Darling Pond Dam in Garrison Park.  he dam needs extensive rehabilitation including increasing the height to deter erosion and overflow. It provides access for fire/emergency crews and for the hiking trails on the Joshua Trust property.
 
"I appreciate the Governor coming to Chaplin to personally deliver this great news," said State Representative Gregg Haddad (D-Chaplin, Mansfield). "This STEAP grant goes a long way and means quite a bit in a small town like Chaplin."
 
Columbia was awarded $160,000 to rebuild and widen the Pucker Street Bridge over the Hop River. The town has been using a temporary one-lane bridge since the early 1980s. The new bridge will improve roadway conditions over the Hop River.