Gov. Malloy Announces STEAP Grant for Fairfield

[Editor's Note: The following is a press release from Gov. Malloy's office.]

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the town of Fairfield has been awarded a Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant for capital improvement projects.

“Tough economic times make STEAP grants all the more important because they allow us to improve the overall quality of life, while creating jobs and stimulating the local economy,” Malloy said. “Whether it’s the improvement of a public space or renewed investment in a municipal facility, these grants allow towns across our state to move forward with capital projects that will benefit residents, both locally and across the region.”

Fairfield will receive a $400,000 grant to reconstruct the main parking lot, add and rebuilt approximately 2,100 feet of needed sidewalks along the Penfield side of the road, and add landscaping around the perimeter of the lots to make the area safer for children.

“Receiving this grant will be an important aspect of the completion of the Penfield Project. This will allow the town to use pavers for the parking lot, which I understand the town requires homeowners in the beach area to use to restrict run off which is good for the environment,” said (R-Fairfield, Southport). 

“Residents in Fairfield send a lot of money in the way of taxes to Hartford, so it’s helpful to have some of it return in way of a grant to assist with a project for Fairfield and many surrounding communities that use and enjoy the beach,” she added.

“I’m delighted that we could bring financial assistance to Fairfield to make these important improvements,” said (D-Fairfield, Westport). “Reconstructing the Penfield Pavilion parking lot and building additional sidewalks are critical.”

The State Bond Commission, under Malloy’s leadership, allocated $20 million for STEAP grants on September 23, 2011. The awards were granted in part due to project readiness and their impact on overall regional economic development.