Rep. Scribner, Rep. Carter and Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that Bethel is being awarded a $250,000 grant under the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) to be utilized for capital improvement projects.
The STEAP grant will fund a sidewalk project that includes the replacement of stairs at several entrances to the CJ Hurgin Municipal Center and sidewalk replacement/construction in three locations: the Municipal Center; the intersection of Main Street, Maple Avenue and Chestnut Street; and the Bethel Police Department. The project will create/sustain approximately 17 jobs.
“The condition of Bethel’s downtown structures is vital to town services and economic development,” State Representative Dan Carter (R-Bethel, Danbury, Newtown, Redding) said. “I’m glad our town is the recipient of this well-deserved funding, and I look forward to continued developments that increase quality of life and safety for residents.”
“I’m pleased the Town of Bethel was selected to receive this competitive grant for some much needed improvements,” Rep. David Scribner (R-Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury) said. “These upgrades will not only enhance our infrastructure, but help town personnel and our police force better serve residents.”
“STEAP grants give us the opportunity to invest in quality of life improvements in small towns across our state. Projects like road and bridge enhancements and improvements to public spaces and historic places make our small towns better places to live and work,” Governor Malloy said. “These STEAP grants will assist small towns in completing important capital projects that otherwise may never get financed.”
Today’s announcement is part of the second round of this year’s STEAP grants – a previous round of grants was announced last month.
“Many communities in Connecticut are trying to create a safer and more walkable environment for their residents,” State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Wilton) said. “The STEAP grant awarded to Bethel will help the town increase pedestrian access to its downtown area by funding sidewalk replacement and construction at a busy and often unsafe intersection. The grant will also be used to improve safety at the town’s municipal center. I am pleased that the state will be supporting Bethel on this project.”
“Bethel recognizes the importance of maintaining safe pedestrian access to several town offices and major roadways,” State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) said. “I am encouraged that this funding will now provide Bethel residents with improved stairway access to the CJ Hurgin Municipal Center and new sidewalks at the Municipal Center, the Main Street intersection and the Police Department.”
