$367,000 grant to
fund sidewalk renovations
State Senators Kevin Witkos (R-Canton)
and Andrew Roraback (R-Goshen) today announced
that federal funding has been awarded to the city of
Torrington for the construction and rehabilitation of
sidewalks near in the downtown area. The $367,000 grant,
revealed this morning by Gov. M. Jodi Rell, is part
of a $3.6 million federal stimulus award that will fund
a variety of infrastructure and community development
projects across Connecticut.
“The federal stimulus program was created to
make much needed improvements to our nation’s
infrastructure,” said Sen. Witkos.
“This funding not only makes such improvements,
but it comes at a time when the city of Torrington itself
is making improvements to lure people and businesses
back to the downtown area. This is a very wise use of
stimulus money and something that I am very happy to
see moving forward.”
According to the governor’s office, the city
will replace 9,000 feet of sidewalks on Water Street
from Main to Prospect Streets; an area that has been
severely affected by foreclosures. City officials believe
the project, which is adjacent to the downtown area,
will complement the city revitalization plan by improving
accessibility and mobility on the street and enhancing
the image for existing residents and future investors.
“The revitalization effort underway in downtown
Torrington has signaled the beginning of the city’s
economic recovery,” said Sen. Roraback.
“Connecticut is allocating its federal stimulus
grants to projects that will create demand for jobs
and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods across
Connecticut. This grant will help accomplish those goals
by making the downtown area a more attractive place
in which to live and do business.”
Torrington is one of six communities in the state that
will be receiving funding under the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) announced today.
The state Department of Economic and Community Development
(DECD) has already approved their community development
plans.
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