Bethel Receives $250K Grant For Stairs and Sidewalks

Bethel's streets and sidewalks will receive an upgrade courtesy of a $250,000 STEAP (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) grant, Gov. Dannel Malloy announced today.

"[The grant] will help improve visitor safety here at the municipal center, as well as defray the cost of sidewalk improvements in various places around town," said First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker. "I am very grateful to Governor Malloy and to our state elected officials for investing in Bethel to help us make this an even better place to live and raise a family."

As part of the grant, stairs at several Municipal Center entrances will be replaced, and sidewalk reconstruction/replacement will be funded near the Municipal Center and the intersection of Main Street, Maple Avenue and Chestnut Street.

"Bethel recognizes the importance of maintaining safe pedestrian access to several town offices and major roadways," said State Sen. Michael McLachlan.

Other Bethel lawmakers touted the move, including State Rep. Dan Carter, who said Bethel's downtown condition is "vital to town services and economic development."

"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," Carter said.

Malloy's office announced the move as part of a slate of STEAP grants for towns across Connecticut, including Canaan, Canterbury, Clinton, Colebrook, Darien, Deep River, Ellington, Glastonbury, Litchfield, Montville, North Canaan, Salisbury, Seymour, Sherman, Wallingford and Westbrook.

"Many communities in Connecticut are trying to create a safer and more walkable environment for their residents,” said State Sen. Toni Boucher. “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.