The town of Harwinton is receiving a $420,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant to purchase and create a permanent, dedicated facility for the Harwinton Ambulance Association. The project will involve the reuse of a vacant, abandoned building for this purpose.

“It important that we keep such a vital service functioning at its highest level and this project is a big step in that direction for the Ambulance Association,” Governor Rell said. “The public comes to very much rely on these dedicated men and women, and by creating this new facility we will ensure the residents of Harwinton are well served.”

“The currently facility utilized by the Ambulance Association is no longer adequate and this project will help to remedy that situation,” said State Senator Thomas Herlihy (R-8). “This is an organization that looks out for the well-being of residents in the area and it is important that they have the necessary tools and resources to carry out their important mission.”

“Once completed, the Harwinton Ambulance Association will have their own dedicated facility to house their ambulances and equipment,” said State Representative John Piscopo (R-76).

Governor Rell thanked State Senator Thomas Colapietro (D-31) for his support of the project.

The state funded STEAP grant provides 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.

This round of funding will pay for 83 projects in 72 towns totaling $19,714,058.