State Senator John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, is praising a decision by the state Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) to approve a grant for the Tri-Town Cable TV Government Access Committee. The grant will give Granby Community Television (GCTV) the ability to increase the quantity and quality of programming for the towns of Granby, East Granby and Hartland.

The funding comes from the DPUC’s Public, Educational and Governmental Programming and Educational Technology Investment Account (PEGPETIA). PEGPETIA funds are made available to a variety of community access-related activities and programming. In October, Sen. Kissel contacted the DPUC urging approval of this funding for GCTV. In his letter to the DPUC, Sen. Kissel indicated that GCTV does not receive any direct funding from Cox Communications (the region’s local cable provider) and is completely reliant on alternative funding sources. He said that officials in Granby, East Granby and Hartland have chosen to create the network to serve their communities with broadcasts of local government meetings and events.

“The Tri-Town Cable TV Government Access Committee has worked tirelessly to make sure that local towns provide its citizens with information through quality local community access stations. This grant will allow GCTV to provide town-specific programming and expanded production ability,” said Sen. Kissel. “Local cable access is a great way for residents to stay informed and I am very pleased that this grant has been approved. Through their action the DPUC has recognized the important function GCTV provides for these towns.”