Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the town of New Fairfield will receive a $500,000 state grant to help connect two schools to a new municipal water system.

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.

New Fairfield will use the grant to connect the Consolidated School and Meeting House Hill School to the new system to be built in the town center. The project has a total estimated cost of $1 million; the remainder is to be raised through a municipal bond sale.

New Fairfield is naturally committed to making sure there is a reliable and abundant supply of clean drinking water, especially for the children of these schools,” Governor Rell said. “However, projects like these are never inexpensive and smaller communities in particular face daunting challenges in raising the needed funds. This STEAP grant will help move the project ahead while allowing the town to avoid going any deeper into debt than necessary.”

The Governor thanked the members of the New Fairfield delegation, all of whom have earned a reputation for working to improve the health of their constituents and all Connecticut residents.

“As a New Fairfield resident, I am of course very pleased with this announcement – and as ranking member of the Public Health Committee I am all the more aware of just how important a water project is to any town,” said state Representative Mary Ann Carson (R-108). “This new water line will resolve problems with both supply and quality and benefit all the children.”

State Representative Janice R. Giegler (R-138) added: “I also feel acutely aware of just how much we need this project – like Representative Carson I serve on the Public Health Committee and my background is in the healthcare industry. We are taking a big step forward with this grant while easing the burden on local residents.”

“Whether it is preventing diseases in children, helping to maintain medical services or ensuring safe drinking water, a big part of our job as lawmakers is to safeguard the health and welfare of Connecticut residents,” said state Senator David J. Cappiello (R-24). “At the same time, we want to help manage the burden on our taxpayers and their local governments. The STEAP grants help us do it all.”

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.

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