House Republican Press Release

June 9, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Gov. Rell, Rep. Piscopo: $200,000 Okayed to Complete Northfield V. F. D. Community Center

The State Bond Commission today approved a $200,000 grant to complete construction of the community center at the Northfield Volunteer Fire Department’s new firehouse on Knifeshop Road, Governor M. Jodi Rell and state Representative John E. Piscopo, R-76^th District, announced today.

 The Bond Commission approved the grant, which is provided through the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), at its monthly meeting today.          

 “These funds will be used to complete the community meeting space, which will serve so many local groups,” Governor Rell said.  The Northfield Village Improvement Society, Boys Scouts, Girls Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, Little Leagues and other civic groups use the community meeting space frequently.

“Earlier this year, I helped secure a $387,353 grant for construction of the community center at the Northfield Volunteer Fire Department’s new firehouse. This additional funding will help ensure this important project is finished on a timely basis. When completed, it will improve fire safety throughout the region,” Representative Piscopo said. “First Selectman Leo Paul, Jr. applied for the grant and his hard work paid off for the Northfield Volunteer Fire Department and the people they serve. I congratulate him for his efforts and I thank Governor Rell for her support for this important project.”

The grant represents the last piece of a $2 million project that will meet several key needs in Northfield.  It will provide a headquarters for the volunteer fire department that will house apparatus and include space for training volunteers. The facility can also be used for emergencies such as power outages and to serve the Northfield community in general.

The project will consist of a 1,850-square-foot community room, with kitchen, pantry and other facilities. It also will include heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and sprinkler systems, and public parking.