Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced Friday that nearly a bond issue to support $20 million in grants for projects in smaller towns across Connecticut, including Southington, was approved by the state Bond Commission.
Among the 72 towns was Southington, which is due to receive $222,500 slated for the second phase of Industrial Drive including the construction of approximately 445 feet of road.
The grants come from the Small Town Economic Assistance Program. The program pays for economic development, community conservation and quality of life projects for municipalities that - because of their size - are ineligible to receive Urban Action bond funds.
This round of funding will pay for 83 projects in 72 towns totaling $19,714,058.
"The STEAP grants are a critical way of helping smaller towns grow, stay vital and maintain the charm that makes living in Connecticut so special," Rell said. "These projects range from improvements like lighting and seating in town centers and renovations of historic buildings to water, sewage and municipal waste projects - items that may be a little less glamorous but are no less important. The residents of our communities benefit in ways large and small from programs such as this, and I am very pleased to see these projects moving forward."
STEAP funds can only be used for capital projects. The budget Rell signed last year authorizes $20 million in STEAP bonding for both 2008 and 2009.