House Republican Press Release

March 31, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Miner: $610,000 in STEAP grants for Litchfield, Morris

 State Rep. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) today announced that the towns of Litchfield and Morris received a total of $610,000 in state grants to fund a number of projects: a new community playscape in Litchfield and improvements to the Litchfield town beach; and funds for ongoing capital investments at the Morris transfer station.

     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.

    Litchfield was approved for a grant of $120,000 to replace aging playground equipment at Community Park and a second grant of $90,000 to help with several capital projects at Litchfield Town Beach. Morris was approved for a $400,000 grant to deal with design and construction improvements at the transfer station and landfill.

   “I would like to thank Gov. Rell, state Sen. Andrew Roraback (R-Goshen) and state Rep. John Piscopo (R-Thomaston) for all their support of these projects,” said Rep. Miner. “The residents of Litchfield and Morris have consistently funded a variety of capital projects in their communities. Each of these grant awards announced by Gov. Rell and funded by the state bonding commission will make the burden on local taxpayers significantly less at a time when we are all feeling the pinch.”

“The local elected officials in each community should be commended for their efforts on each of these projects and I’m sure our constituents will know the benefits these projects.”  

  More than $19.7 million in STEAP funds for 72 towns were proposed for approval on the Bond Commission agenda on Friday, March 28. The funds will enable 83 projects across the state to move forward.