Simsbury Awarded $350,000 for Improvements to Town Center

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced the last round of Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) awards Tuesday. Towns across the state were awarded funds to make infrastructure upgrades, strengthen business corridors and local economies, and improve public spaces. The State Bond Commission allocated $20 million for 2012 STEAP grants in September 2011.

“Over the past several weeks I’ve enjoyed visiting the small towns across Connecticut that make our state a great place to live,” said Malloy. “Local leaders have done a tremendous job advocating for their communities and ensuring that these important projects are getting the attention and support they need — and state government has stepped up as a partner in the effort to improve the quality of life for residents. These projects are part of reinventing Connecticut and making us a stronger, highly competitive, and more vibrant state.”

Simsbury was awarded $350,000 for improvements to the Simsbury Center area. The project includes adjusting drainage and surface elevations and making boat ramp parking improvements on Riverside Road; restoring the bridge deck on Drake Hill Road; and a sidewalk/crosswalk bump-out on Hopmeadow. These streets serve businesses, government services, and residents in the center area.

"We are thrilled to receive support from Governor Malloy for Simsbury Center Improvements under the STEAP program," said First Selectman Mary Glassman. "The funding will go a long way to helping to create a livable and walkable downtown by adding sidewalk bump-outs to ensure pedestrian safety, improve flooding issues for residents along Riverside Road, address structural improvements on the Drake Hill Bridge and improve water access to the Farmington River near the Drake Hill Flower Bridge. The funding helps us to implement the town's long range vision as determined by our residents during recent public input sessions. Special thanks to our staff and Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer for overseeing the project, and Hiram Peck, Planning and Development Director, for coordinating the process." 

According to Sawitzke, who submitted the grant application on behalf of the Town, the grant provides funds to address flooding issues along Riverside Road, to make structural improvements to the Drake Hill Bridge and to improve water access to the Farmington River near the Drake Hill Flower Bridge. 

“By focusing on projects that ensure access to our business center, we’re addressing the economic development targets that are at the heart of this program,” Sawitzke said. 

This information was provided by Juliet Manalan, Press Secretary for Governor Dannel P. Malloy and the Town of Simsbury.