Newtown Legislators Announce State Grant For Sandy Hook

Press release from Connecticut House Republicans:

November 11, 2020

NEWTOWN- State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky R-106, JP Sredzinski, R-112 along with State Senator Tony Hwang R-28 today said they were all pleased to announce that Newtown's $128,205 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant has been approved for the installation of a parking lot, pavilion, and kiosk at the Sandy Hook Heritage Park and Trail.

Representative Bolinsky said, "I always love good news! This 'Small Town Economic Assistance Program' (STEAP) Grant is for the Sandy Hook Heritage Park & Trail project and will help turn a vacant brownfield into an improved, landscaped destination that will serve to anchor a walking trail highlighting the history of Sandy Hook, using a series of historical markers. It’s exciting to recognize ‘The Hook’s’ past in such an interactive way and share some known and little-known facts about Sandy Hook, a historical mill town on the banks of the Pootatuck River. At the same time, as a compliment to the Sandy Hook Streetscape Grant from few years ago, the added foot traffic will benefit existing and new small businesses and help promote economic development within Sandy Hook Village. I look forward to walking the trail!”

Representative Sredzinski said, “The STEAP grants are a critical way of helping smaller towns, like Newtown grow, stay vital and maintain the charm that makes living in Connecticut so special.

Senator Hwang said, “This STEAP grant is a timely investment in our community. Projects like the planned improvements to Sandy Hook’s Heritage Park and Trail would have remained on the back burner for years as towns continue to dig out from under the economic challenges of this pandemic. I am grateful that Governor Lamont is prioritizing funding for projects that will go a long way to preserve and improve Sandy Hook’s history, recreational offerings and aesthetic. The Sandy Hook Heritage Park and Trail improvements will greatly enhance an otherwise lesser known local treasure. The new accommodations will encourage individuals, families and their business to come to Newtown.”

The 'Small Town Economic Assistance Program' (STEAP) funds economic development, community conservation and quality of life projects for localities that are ineligible to receive Urban Action bonds. This program is administered by the Office of Policy and Management.

STEAP grants are coordinated by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, and grants are administered by the appropriate state agencies depending on the specific project involved. Under state law, STEAP grants can only be used for capital projects. A project is considered to be a capital project if it is new construction, expansion, renovation, or replacement for an existing facility or facilities. Project costs can include the cost of land, design, engineering, architectural planning, and contract services needed to complete the project.

This press release was produced by the Connecticut House Republicans. The views expressed here are the author's own.