Madison will received $400,000 to help improve its downtown, local and state officials have announced.
"The downtown is Madison's real jewel, and we are in the midst of making it even nicer," said Madison First Selectman Fillmore McPherson. "We really appreciate the state's help in moving forward."
McPherson said several people were instrumental when it came to applying for the grant, including Town Engineer Mike Ott and Pam McKinnon, chairman of the town's downtown committee.
Along with Madiosn, Guilford, Orange, Wallingford and Woodbridge were awarded Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants for capital improvement projects.
“STEAP Grants help towns improve quality of life, spur economic development and stimulate the local economy,” Governor Malloy said in a prepared statement. “Especially during times when municipal budgets are stretched thin, these grants help make needed projects become a reality.”
Earlier this week, Governor Malloy also announced STEAP grants for other South Central region towns, including Clinton, Branford and Deep River.
Madison: $400,000 for Boston Post Road improvements
The Town of Madison will receive a $400,000 grant to make improvements to the Boston Post Road, which includes moving overhead utilities underground. The grant will also allow for streetscape renovations, such as median, crosswalk, sidewalk, curbing, drainage, landscape, street lights and foliage. These improvements come as part of phase 3 of the Madison Downtown Center Project.
State Sen. Ed Meyer said the grant should help make the town even more attrative for the town's businesses and residents.
“Through my experiences on the Planning and Development Committee, I have seen how small changes to a town’s landscape can greatly improve its accessibility to commuters and tourists,” State Rep. Kokoruda said in a prepared statement. “It is vital to invest in our towns, especially when we will see an immediate benefit to our economy and job market both on the local and state level. I am so grateful that in these tight economic times, the State of Connecticut has continued to support this important project in downtown Madison.”
Guilford: $500,000 for Jacobs Beach enhancements
The Town of Guilford will receive a $500,000 grant to construct improvements at Jacobs Beach, including making the drop-off areas safer for children attending summer camps and for seniors who need assistance entering and exiting the beach. There is also a plan to construct a small boardwalk, create two kiosks, renovate the bathhouse and make improvements to shaded areas
“This is a significant grant and I’m very happy for the residents of Guilford,” State Representative Pat Widlitz said in a prepared statement. “Jacobs Beach is one of the town’s most utilized recreational resources and this grant will enhance the enjoyment of the beach for people of all ages. My thanks goes to the Governor for his support of this great project for the people of Guilford.”
Orange: $500,000 to complete Edison Road Extension
The Town of Orange will receive a $500,000 grant to aid in the extension of Edison Road to Marsh Hill Road. The project will open the road to a major thoroughfare opposite United Illuminating’s new corporate headquarters, will open up over 60 acres for productive economic use, and will enhance the town’s ability to attract additional private investments and create new employment opportunities. In addition, the extension will provide traffic relief to local roadways.
Wallingford: $214,200 for North Main Street Extension improvements
The Town of Wallingford will receive a $214,200 grant for the milling and resurfacing of North Main Street Extension, a major commercial and industrial area. The road serves as a feeder to the Barnes Industrial Park North complex, the Central Park complex and the Wallingford Plaza center, which hosts multiplex theaters and restaurants. The businesses along this corridor provide goods and services to the entire region.
Woodbridge: $500,000 for Police Department renovation
The Town of Woodbridge will receive a $500,000 grant to renovate the existing Police Department facility, so that improvements can be made to the lobby, the communications and dispatch center, information technology services and processing areas. The funding will enhance public safety, improve police operations, and expand needed services in the community.
The State Bond Commission, under Governor Malloy’s leadership, allocated $20 million for STEAP grants on September 23, 2011. The awards, which will be awarded to small towns from throughout the state, were granted in part due to project readiness and their impact on overall regional economic development.
