HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced Thursday that it is awarding $11.7 million in grants to improve infrastructure in 17 towns and cities.

Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.) and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto made the announcement Thursday. This is the fifth round of Community Connectivity Grant Program awards. 

The program is designed to fund projects to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists and commuters. 

“These projects help connect people to their communities, promote economic development, create more vibrant town centers, and encourage environmentally friendly transportation options,” Lamont said.

The following 17 municipalities received grants:

  • Berlin: Kensington Transit Oriented Development Sidewalk Improvements ($780,000)
  • Branford: Pedestrian Connectivity Improvements ($800,000)
  • Bridgeport: ADA Improvements in the East Side ($798,008)
  • Bristol: Replacing Handicap Ramps at Key Locations ($793,184)
  • Canton: Safety Connections to Farmington River Rail Trail ($223,478)
  • East Granby: Town Campus Sidewalk Connections ($690,000)
  • East Hampton: Village Center Sidewalks and Streetscape ($800,000)
  • Manchester: Keeney Street Sidewalk Installation ($800,000)
  • New Britain: West Main Street Pedestrian Connectivity and Safety Improvements ($794,400)
  • New Haven: Wintergreen Area Pedestrian Improvements ($669,600)
  • Norwalk: Hospital Hill Village Safety Enhancements ($800,000)
  • Plainfield: Phase 1, Segment 1B Shepard Hill Road Safety Improvements ($604,800)
  • Shelton: Downtown Shelton ADA Improvements Project ($563,000)
  • South Windsor: Town of South Windsor Cross Town Trails ($800,000)
  • Stamford: Belltown Neighborhood Connectivity and Safety Project ($800,000)
  • Waterbury: Baldwin Street Sidewalk Improvements-Phase I ($784,835)
  • Wolcott: Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge/Sidewalk Over the Cornelis Dam ($231,000)

The five rounds have awarded 121 grants totaling more than $50 million. More grants are expected to be awarded in 2024. Towns and cities selected for grants must complete projects within three years.