State Senator Thomas J. Herlihy, R-Simsbury, and State Representative Richard F. Ferrari, R-Granby, today announced that over $1 million in state grants have been awarded to three local communities. Barkhamsted and New Hartford each received $500,000 grants. Another $60,000 was awarded to the town of Granby. The funding is part of the state's Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) and was approved earlier today by the State Bond Commission.

According to the legislators, funding for the town of Barkhamsted will go towards the proposed Riverton Streetscape. Located among the shops and restaurants in this area are the famous Hitchcock Chair Co. and the Riverton Inn. In recent years this area has been struggling to survive. The legislators believe that the funding will help to increase the economic viability of the town by attracting more consumers to the village of Riverton.

The grant to New Hartford will go towards the relocation of the highway department garage and economic development.

"Barkhamsted, New Hartford and Granby are beautiful communities whose residents are proud and hard working and really signify what small town Connecticut is all about," said Sen. Herlihy. "Smaller towns do not have the same needs as our state's larger towns and cities but the needs of small towns, while different, are just as important. I am thankful to Governor Rell and the new administration for their commitment to small communities, not only in our region but throughout the entire state of Connecticut."

The Granby grant will help pay for the installation of underground utility lines and 10 'traditional style' street lamps on Bank Street in the town center in an effort to beautify the area, encourage greater night-time use, encourage pedestrian traffic and enhance safety, the legislators said.