October 9, 2012

GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STEAP GRANTS FOR PORTLAND, KILLINGWORTH, MADISON

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that Portland, Killingworth, and Madison will receive Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) emergency management awards for infrastructure projects that will help strengthen response and mitigate damage during storms and other emergencies.

"Connecticut has made storm preparedness a priority-from ensuring utility companies are held to higher standards of service to better coordinating statewide response efforts and communications," said Governor Malloy. "These emergency management grants ensure that Connecticut cities and towns are better able to get information and services to residents-and return life to normal as quickly as possible."

Portland was awarded $227,700 to design and construct a salt/sand storage shed that is large enough to accommodate mixing salt and sand for plow use, and far enough away from the public water supply to avoid contamination.

"I'm pleased the state awarded this grant for construction of a new salt and sand storage facility," said State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell, Portland). "It can be difficult to balance town services like safely maintaining our streets during the winter months while at the same time protecting the integrity of our waterways. This grant will allow Portland to do just that."

Killingworth was awarded $500,000 to construct a new Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The town's current EOC lacks the facilities to support a sustained emergency response. The new EOC will be adjacent to fire and ambulance services, and will be built partially below ground to better withstand severe weather.

"The $500,000 state grant to Killingworth for an emergency center has been a priority of mine," said State Senator Ed Meyer (D-Madison, Branford). "It will make Killingworth and adjoining towns safer places to live in the event of weather or other emergency conditions."

Madison was awarded $500,000 for streetscape improvements that relocate overhead utilities in the downtown business district underground. This is the second phase of a four-phase project. Madison received a $500,000 STEAP award last year for phase one.

"I have pressed for the $500,000 state grant for street improvements in Madison," said State Senator Ed Meyer (D-Madison, Branford). "The Governor's decision to go with the streets improvement grant will give Madison an even more attractive shopping center."

"I'm pleased the state awarded this grant to assist Madison in completing the downtown project," said State Representative Noreen Kokoruda (R- Madison and Guilford). "This plan has been worked on by many Madison residents for years and it's great to see that all their hard work is paying off. In the near future Madison's quaint downtown will get a much needed facelift."

The State Bond Commission allocated $10 million for 2013 STEAP grants in October 2012. Grants are awarded to small towns across the state in part due to their impact on overall regional economic development.

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For Immediate Release: October 9, 2012

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy