Edith G. Prague

Prague, Representative Reynolds Announce State Grant to Rehab Ledyard Housing

State Senator Edith G. Prague (D-Columbia) and State Representative Tom Reynolds (D-Ledyard) today announced a $300,000 Small Cities block grant for the Town of Ledyard. The funding was awarded through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. Ledyard was one of 28 towns selected statewide, the lawmakers said.

The town of Ledyard will use its funding to undertake a housing rehabilitation loan program to help low- and moderate-income homeowners rehabilitate their homes.  A total of 19 housing units will be renovated.  Upgrades would include roof replacement, heating systems, window replacement, lead paint removal, electrical and code upgrades and energy and weatherization improvements.

“Ledyard residents will benefit in two ways from this substantial grant to provide direct funding for a wide range of community improvement and economic development projects, and I am delighted by the favorable review of our application,” Senator Prague said. “First of all, low and moderate income residents can receive help with housing improvements and upgrades, energy conservation measures, and with permits and things of that nature. And then all residents benefit through improved aesthetics and higher property values.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program provides grants to eligible municipalities for economic development, affordable housing, community facilities and other revitalization projects.  The federal program is administered by Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development.

“This is good news for the people who live in the housing units and for all residents as these types of projects are good for the local economy,” said Rep. Reynolds. “These are important improvements and it is always good to see our dollars coming back home to Ledyard.”

“For most Connecticut towns and smaller cities, budgets are stretched thin but their infrastructure needs and the housing needs of their residents haven’t diminished,” Governor Malloy said.  “That’s why the Small Cities program—and the federal grants the program awards—are so critical.  The funding is key to these communities and their efforts to improve the lives of residents through housing programs and community projects.”