Columbia awarded state grant for long overdue bridge project

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman visited five towns today to announce Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants for Columbia, Chaplin, Tolland, Pomfret and Brooklyn.

Columbia was awarded $160,000 to rebuild and widen the Pucker Street Bridge over the Hop River.

The town has been using a temporary, one-lane bridge since the early 1980s.  The new bridge will improve roadway conditions over the Hop River.

“I’m positively delighted by the governor’s favorable action on our application for this STEAP grant so we can now rebuild the Pucker Street bridge and restore it to two lanes,” Sen. Edith G. Prague (D-Columbia) said in a prepared statement.

“This project has lingered as long as it has because of the cost: modest by some standards but expensive considering Columbia’s annual budget. We’re grateful for this $160,000 grant and the prospect for this new Hope River crossing,” Sen. Prague said.

Rep. Tim Ackert said, “This is a critical project that meets the safety and transportation needs of our community… I would like to thank the governor for making funding available through STEAP and the taxpayers of Coventry and Columbia for committing to this long overdue project.”

The town of Chaplin was awarded $300,000 to design, plan and reconstruct Darling Pond Dam in Garrison Park.

The dam needs extensive rehabilitation, including increasing the height to deter erosion and overflow.  It provides access for fire/emergency crews and for the hiking trails on the Joshua Trust property.

“I appreciate the governor coming to Chaplin to personally deliver this great news,” said State Rep. Gregg Haddad (D-Chaplin, Mansfield). “This STEAP grant goes a long way and means quite a bit in a small town like Chaplin.”

Gov. Malloy said, “Traveling around Connecticut to announce these grants is a great opportunity to see the hard work local officials are doing to strengthen our small towns… I commend them for their leadership on behalf of the residents they serve, and for the commitment to ensuring these important projects get done.”

“These initiatives represent the partnership between state government and our citizens, and are an important component of strengthening our statewide economy,” Gov. Malloy said.

Tolland was awarded $394,350 to construct an *ADA-compliant, multi-use concession facility at Cross Farms Recreational Complex. This is the final phase of the project that will also later include an ADA-accessible playground.

Lt. Gov. Wyman said, “Tolland appreciates the governor’s attention to the project here and those around the state.  These STEAP funds will help complete work that has been ongoing for a decade, and will be a great benefit to families from Tolland and around Connecticut.”

State Rep. Bryan Hurlburt (D-Ashford, Tolland, Willington) said, “This is a great investment of state resources which will expand accessibility to this quality facility.”

Sen. Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford) said, “I am very pleased these small towns have been chosen to receive STEAP grants. They have a history of utilizing the grants for practical matters of infrastructure and safety. Our small Eastern Connecticut communities – like many towns around the state – are dealing with harsh economic times and this money will be extremely helpful.”

Other STEAP grant awards:

• Pomfret was awarded $500,000 to design and construct an emergency response center that will house ambulance service, the town emergency operations center and local constables. The new space will also have conference rooms and offices for the first responders. This project is expected to create or retain 10-12 jobs.

• Brooklyn was awarded $500,000 for roadway improvements on Allen Hill Road and South Street, including the installation of guardrails.  This project will improve road conditions and drainage on five miles of deteriorating road.

Sen.  Don Williams said, “This project is a perfect example of how targeted state funding can spur job creation, upgrade local infrastructure and improve safety conditions. Additionally, this state investment will save local property tax dollars for Brooklyn residents.”

Rep. Mike Alberts (R- Woodstock) said, “These are challenging times for municipalities across the state… The STEAP program provides much needed opportunities for communities like Brooklyn to receive funding for critical projects.”

*Americans with Disabilities Act

Posted Dec. 29, 2011

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. To keep up-to-date on local news, “like” us (HTNP News) on Facebook and follow us ( @HTNP) on Twitter!