Fairfield Awarded $250K for Post Road Improvements

Fairfield was awarded $250,000 for improvements to the portion of the Post Road that runs through the town's center earlier this month by Gov. Dannel Malloy and the State Department of Housing, a decision lauded by State Rep. Kim Fawcett (D-133).  

The grant comes from the Main Street Investment Fund, which is administered through the State Department of Housing and provides funding to develop or improve town commercial districts, attract small businesses, and improve pedestrian access and livability in town centers.

“This is an investment that will transform the South Pine Creek side of the Post Road. It will directly benefit dozens of small businesses along the corridor and provide a visible upgrade that I think all Fairfielders will appreciate,” Fawcett said in a release. “I am thrilled the Governor’s Office ultimately decided to make this investment in our town.”

The Main Street Investment Fund provides financial incentives to eligible municipalities as well as owners of commercial private properties for expenditures that directly support and enhance a qualified project. Awards do not go over $500,000 and can be used for expenses such as building improvements, signage, lighting, and streetscape improvements.

"On behalf of the Town of Fairfield, I am very grateful our community has received this significant grant funding that will enhance the key economic corridor between Southport, one of our main gateways to Fairfield, and our bustling downtown area, as well as allow for improvements that will grow our local economy by helping our existing businesses and attracting new ones,” First Selectman Michael Tetreau said.

The funding will be used to improve the rundown streets along the Post Road between Mill Plain Road and South Pine Creek Road. Fawcett met with small business owners along this corridor more than a year ago and they pointed out the disrepair and need for investment.

“The project includes repaired sidewalks and upgraded light posts and ultimately has the Southport side of the Post Road upgraded to match the charm of central downtown Fairfield,” Fawcett said.

“The timing was perfect because the legislature had recently passed the Jobs Bill and I knew about this very targeted investment program and I realized we were a perfect fit,” she added.