Rick Lopes

Sen. Lopes Welcomes $2 Million for Transportation Infrastructure Improvements in New Britain

State Senator Rick Lopes (D-New Britain) welcomed the awarding of a $2 million state grant to support improvements along Myrtle Street in New Britain that will better connect residents to public transportation and make the area more pedestrian friendly. New Britain was one of only six municipalities in Connecticut to be awarded funding through the competitive Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program.

“My thanks to Governor Lamont and his administration for their shared recognition of how these improvements to Myrtle Street will benefit long-term community development in New Britain. This grant is a major boost to improving 2,600 feet of street area and improving access to public transit,” said Sen. Lopes.

The $2 million state grant will be used to improve pedestrian infrastructure, erect bus shelters, and implement Complete Streets enhancements to provide better connectivity to alternative methods of transportation. This first part of the improvements project will benefit 2,600 feet along Myrtle Street in between Washington Street and Curtis Street.

The Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program is competitive program for “shovel-ready” projects that are based within a one-half mile of public transportation facilities. The additional aims of the program are to encourage infrastructure development that creates walkable and mixed-use spaces, supports economic activity, and creates jobs. More information about Connecticut’s Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program can be found here