State Awards Berlin Large Chunk Of Cash To Improve Pedestrian Safety

BERLIN, CT — Millions of dollars in state grants aimed at transportation safety were awarded to multiple towns this week, including Berlin.

Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto Monday, Nov. 17, announced that the state is awarding nearly $12 million in grants to 17 towns and cities for projects that will improve transportation safety and mobility.

As part of this initiative, Berlin is receiving $800,000 for Hubbard Elementary School and Griswold Elementary School sidewalk improvements.

The grants are being awarded through the state Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program.

Now in its seventh round of awards, this state-funded program provides financial support for local infrastructure initiatives that make conditions safer and more accommodating for pedestrians and bicyclists in urban, suburban, and rural centers.

“Connecting residents with their communities through these projects is vital to boosting economic development, creating dynamic town centers, and encouraging alternative modes of transportation like walking or biking,” Lamont said. “Supporting this program improves the quality of life for towns and cities across the state.”

“We remain focused on increasing safety and enhancing connectivity across Connecticut,” Eucalitto said. “This grant program, which helps fund these important community-driven projects, is an integral part of our mission. This state funding is helping towns and cities deliver important projects. We’re grateful to Governor Lamont and the General Assembly for their continued support of these efforts.”

The funding limits for grants awarded in this solicitation can only be used for construction activities that range from $100,000 to $800,000.

To date, 155 awards totaling approximately $74 million have been invested from this program into Connecticut’s towns and cities.

Municipalities selected to receive grants are expected to complete the projects within three years.

For more information about the Community Connectivity Grant Program, visit portal.ct.gov/ccgp.