LT. GOVERNOR BYSIEWICZ, MAYOR CAGGIANO, & LOCAL OFFICIALS HIGHLIGHT $6.85 MILLION IN COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUNDING FOR BRISTOL

(HARTFORD, CT) - Today, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, with town and state officials, highlighted the recently announced $6.85 million Community Investment Fund (CIF) grant awarded for the “Route 72 Corridor Improvement Proposal.” 

"Partnerships between the State of Connecticut and its towns have the power to be transformative. With this funding, Bristol residents will experience increased pedestrian safety and reduced traffic – making their community even more enjoyable,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “Congratulations to the city of Bristol, the legislative delegation, and everyone who played a part in this important project.” 

“Bristol is very excited as this will allow us to build on the momentum of downtown development. The streetscape project represents a tremendous opportunity to transform an entire corridor. We are very thankful for the great support from the entire CIF Board and DECD, who clearly recognize that Bristol can leverage this support to link the many projects that are currently underway,” stated Bristol Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano. 

The funding will support one element of the City’s improvement plan, focused on pedestrian safety enhancements, traffic calming and streetscape improvements on Riverside Avenue and Park Street. 

“This grant will fund a significant improvement to an important gateway into our downtown. We're very thankful for the great support from the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor, the entire SIF board, DECD, and members of the Bristol economic development team. Bristol is one step closer to a walkable downtown,” said Deputy Mayor Cheryl Thibeault. 

“The Community Investment Fund is a very exciting program and also a very competitive program. I want to applaud Bristol for partnering collaboratively with for-profit developers and nonprofit organizations to provide a range of services here in the central artery of the city,” said Matthew Pugliese, Director, Community Investment Fund 2030.  

“With Bristol experiencing a significant boom in economic development, the CIF grant will help bolster the momentum we need to transform the entrance into the heart of our ‘All-Heart’ downtown,” said State Senator Henri Martin. “It has been ten years since the first conversations about this project began. The vision for our walkable Route 72 corridor for the residents of Bristol is finally coming together. I’d like to thank Governor Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz for visiting our great city and the entire CIF Board and DECD for seeing the potential in this Streetscape Project.” 

“I’d like to thank the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor for recognizing this project and the significance that it will have for Bristol. This will revitalize our downtown, make the streets beautiful, and will go a long way for the businesses in the area,” said State Representative Mary Fortier. 

“This was truly a bipartisan effort. I want to thank the Mayor, the Bristol City Council, and everyone that was involved in this process. This funding will transform Bristol, making it safer for the residents so we can have some pedestrian activity and beautify the area," said State Representative Joe Hoxha. 

The Community Investment Fund was established by the State Legislature in 2021 to support economic development in distressed communities by providing grants for capital projects to municipalities and non-profit entities operating in those cities and towns. The proposals must advance the state’s Economic Action Plan by promoting jobs, fostering vibrant neighborhoods, and addressing climate resilience as well as the specific needs of underserved or marginalized groups.