Derek Slap

Senator Slap Joins Lt. Governor, West Hartford Officials To Highlight Park Road Project

Today, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor and members of the Park Road Association to highlight recent state bond investments into projects in the region, most prominently a $1.5 million investment to support the rehabilitation of Park Road with pedestrian and bicycle improvements. This work is part of nearly $9 million allocated to West Hartford projects by the State Bond Commission during the summer.

“Park Road is a vital piece of West Hartford’s economy, serving businesses and neighborhoods. Adding pedestrian-friendly features to make it more accessible will benefit commuters, residents, business-owners and visitors alike,” said Sen. Slap. “Investments like this will help reduce reliance on property taxes to pay for capital improvements. Local property tax payers will benefit as a result. It will further benefit the local economy and add recreational resources beneficial to health. I’m grateful to Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and Mayor Cantor for coming out to support this important development.”

The $1.5 million in funds for the Park Road rehabilitation project will support repaving the roadway, potential installation of bicycle lanes, replacing sidewalks, adding traffic-calming sidewalk features and new business directories, as well as a new community event board. This will help define the region, also providing a gateway from Hartford’s growing Parkville area to support economic opportunities for small businesses.

This funding is part of $8.9 million in state bond funding approved in late July by the State Bond Commission to support, in addition to this project, preservation of affordable apartments, construction of operational lanes on I-84, improvements at the Noah Webster House Museum and an extension of the Trout Brook Trail.