North Branford Awarded State Grant For Police Department

NORTH BRANFORD, CT —North Branford will receive $128,000 in state funding to aid in the construction of a new police department. The grant is supplied through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program.

State Rep. Vincent Candelora said in a statement: "To say that our community has squeezed everything possible out of the existing facility would be an understatement, and I'm thankful that the state will be able to supply money to offset a bit of the town's cost. Aside from improving morale among staff, a new and improved facility will benefit our community greatly by providing personnel the space and technological advancements they'll use to be even more effective at their jobs."

Overall, the project is expected to cost $7.5 million. Problems in the current facility include outdated cell blocks, obsolete locker and shower rooms, insufficient separation and security in its technology area, an undersized sally port, and an inadequate lobby.

"I am pleased to have joined my colleagues in the state legislature in passing a bonding bill that provides some of the funding for this new North Branford police station," state Sen. Christine Cohen said in a statement. "As local officials noted when they applied for these dollars, a new police station will improve public safety, increase efficiency, boost morale and create six dozen construction jobs. I am filled with gratitude for the protection our brave men and women in blue provide to this community and they deserve a building that allows them the ability to more effectively perform their duties."

The award was included in an $11 million package divided among 94 small towns that requested state assistance with various infrastructure projects.