House Republican Press Release

March 28, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Governor Rell & Rep. Kalinowski: $203,500 for Middlefield’s Peckham Park

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the town of Middlefield will receive a $203,500 state grant for improvements to Peckham Park.

            The funds are being awarded through the Connecticut Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP). STEAP provides financial assistance for projects that encourage economic development and preserve the character of the state’s less-populated towns.

            Middlefield recently completed a major expansion and renovation of the park. The town will use the grant for additional recreational facilities.

            “The remodeled Peckham Park is a beautiful place for families to gather and Middlefield residents to enjoy the great outdoors,” Governor Rell said. “The park already has great facilities for basketball, soccer and other sports as well as a playscape and pavilion. With this grant, the town will be able to do even more for residents of all ages.”

            “The STEAP grants give our smaller communities – many of which are trying to thread a careful path between growth and rural tradition – a chance to provide much-needed services and facilities for their residents that they could not otherwise afford,” said state Representative Ray Kalinowski (R-100). “The program is a vital link in the ‘smart growth’ effort Connecticut is making a priority.”

            More than $19.7 million in STEAP funds for 72 towns were proposed for approval on the Bond Commission agenda Friday. The funds will enable 83 projects across the state to move forward.