Senator Haskell Applauds State Infrastructure Grants In Redding, Weston, Westport

Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) applauded new infrastructure funding for projects in Redding, Weston and Westport. This grant funding was made available through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, which supports small towns for economic development, community conservation and quality-of-life capital projects. A combined $953,000 will be released to the three towns for the installation of a walking path in Redding, infrastructure upgrades at the Weston Police Department and sidewalk replacements in Westport.

"I'm grateful to Governor Lamont for approving these critical requests, as I know they will help to keep my constituents safe," said Sen. Haskell. "As a proud graduate of Greens Farms Elementary School (and someone who occasionally walked to school), I'm especially excited to see increased investments in sidewalks that will protect students, teachers and families around the school. With towns chipping in for these projects as well, these projects are a great example of local and state government coming together to improve quality of life in our community."

“I applaud Governor Lamont’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents across Connecticut and especially here in Redding where we have received two very important competitive grants from the State in the last year,” said Redding First Selectwoman Julia Pemberton. "The support from Senator Haskell and Rep. Anne Hughes also paved the way for this award, no pun intended. The funds from this STEAP grant will provide a safe walkable, ADA accessible, pathway for all residents, incorporating exercise elements and seating along the way. Redding’s beautiful and rural environment, with its narrow and winding roads, makes the safety of walking/jogging along the roads questionable, but this work will keep pedestrians safe."

“Coming out of the pandemic, our residents have rediscovered the health benefits of walking. We have prioritized enhancing pedestrian safety, specifically around our schools," said Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker. "These STEAP grant funds will accelerate our efforts to replace sidewalks leading to Greens Farms Elementary School. Westport is working hard to ensure our sidewalk network provides safe paths for our residents.”

Funding through the STEAP grants will support:

• $203,856 in state grants for the installation of a walking and fitness path in Redding, matched by $69,564 in town funds
• $500,000 in state funding for building renovations at the Weston Police Department, matched by $264,926 in town funds
• $250,000 in state funding for the replacement of sidewalks near Green Farms School, matched by $100,000 in town funds