Farmington and Rocky Hill will each benefit from $200,000 grants that will help reshape Unionville Center and upgrade the Silas Deane Highway.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced the grant awards Friday. "Towns across our state want to maintain their individual charm while keeping and growing jobs," Rell said of the grants. "That means smart growth, which in turn means wise investments. Programs like the STEAP grants help communities make these targeted investments in economic development projects without breaking the bank - or the backs of property taxpayers - and without giving up the very characteristics that make them attractive places to live in the first place."
The Market Square project "is a perfect example of how state and local governments can work together to benefit our citizens. Newington has an extraordinary vision for its downtown district and I am pleased that this grant can help the town to achieve it-" Rell said
Newington Mayor Jeff Wright said, "I sincerely appreciate Gov. Rell's continued support of Newington's effort to revitalize the downtown area by creating more jobs, increasing the property tax base, improving public safety and enabling a prosperous shopping and dining district."
Also praising the funds were Newington's state delegation.
"This is the fourth STEAP grant we have been awarded for our Town Center revitalization, an effort which began several years ago with Tom Bowen, Myra Cohen and other previous councilors," said state Rep. Sandy Nafis said. "The STEAP program provides economic development support to many smaller towns throughout the State, and we are so grateful that the State can continue to help our community with these dollars."
The project will turn the corner from Main Street onto Market Square and includes sidewalks, curbing, handicapped accessible ramps, new drainage, and decorative lighting. "Improving Newington's downtown area has always been a priority," added state Sen. Paul Doyle. "We are very pleased to receive these dollars to help the town during these challenging economic times."
The Farmington grant will be used as part of the Unionville revitalization project for work on streets, landscaping and the restoration of historic buildings including the old firehouse, built in 1894. The Unionville project also received STEAP grants in 2005 and 2008.
The Rocky Hill grant will be used to upgrade the Silas Deane Highway by making road and facade improvements and for signage and landscaping. "The Silas Deane is a vital business artery for Rocky Hill," Rell said. "We continue to do all we can to help grow and retain jobs on this crucial commercial corridor. The entire town of Rocky Hill will benefit from the Silas Deane's success. This is a wise investment"
The funds are expected to be approved during the next state Bond Commission meeting Friday. STEAP grants are designed to provide financial assistance for municipalities to help with projects that encourage economic development while preserving the character of small towns.
A total of $20 million in STEAP funds for 100 towns is expected to gain approval when the state Bond Commission meets Sept. 25. The funds will enable 114 projects across the state to move forward.