State Grants Help Fund North Branford, Durham Projects

NORTH BRANFORD, CT —State Sen. Christine Cohen "welcomed" state aid for public projects in Durham and North Branford, two of the towns that she represents in the state Senate.

Cohen voted for the state aid as part of the state bond package that was approved by most members of the state legislature back in March, before the coronavirus pandemic essentially shuttered the General Assembly.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced a total of $11 million in state Small Town Economic Assistance Program grants will be awarded to 94 small towns across Connecticut for various infrastructure improvement projects. This is the first time since 2016 that the state has awarded STEAP funding.

"I voted in March for a series of investments that will move Connecticut communities forward and provide local taxpayers with some property tax relief at the same time, since the state is paying a portion of these local expenses instead of everyone seeing their local mill rates go up," Cohen said.

"So whether it be necessary roadwork or a new walkway in one of our heavily used public parks or money toward building a new police station, these are the type of projects that improve the quality of life in Connecticut, and I'm happy to support them," she said.

The STEAP grants announced today include:

• Durham: $128,205 for the reconstruction of Shady Lane. This will be matched by $415,900 from the town.
• North Branford: $128,205 for the construction of a new police department facility. This will be matched by $7,371,795 from the town.