House Republican Press Release

March 31, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. John Piscopo applauds $285,150 in state grants for Burlington

State Rep. John Piscopo (R-Thomaston) announced today that the town of Burlington has been awarded $285,150 in grants for two projects from the State Bond Commission.

            Burlington will receive a Connecticut Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant of $250,000 for the construction of an addition to the historic Elton Brown Tavern.  The 200-year old tavern, located on the green in the town center, is owned by the town of Burlington and maintained by the Burlington Historical Society.  The addition will provide for a new town meeting space and educational setting.

In addition, Burlington will also receive a $35,150 STEAP grant for the replacement of waste oil tanks at the town’s recycling center and the waste oil furnace at the town’s highway department.  The town collects approximately 4,000 gallons of used waste oil annually which is then used to heat the highway department garage.

           “These are two significant projects for Burlington,” said Rep. Piscopo. “The Elton Brown Tavern is a place that residents of Burlington hold near and dear to their hearts and this grant will allow more members of the community to experience and enjoy this historical asset.”

The state funded STEAP grants provide funds to eligible towns for economic development, community conservation and quality of life projects.  To be eligible, a town must have a population of less than 30,000 residents, not be designated as a distressed municipality or a public investment community, and not have an urban center.  The state Office of Policy and Management administers this program, and individual projects are managed by several state agencies including DECD.

            More than $19.7 million in STEAP funds for 72 towns were approved by the Bond Commission today.  The funds will enable 83 projects across the state to move forward.