Simsbury Gets State Money To Close Firetown Road Sidewalk Gap

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury is on track to repair some of its sidewalks, thanks to grant money the town has received from the state.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is giving Simsbury a $584,471 grant for the repair project, which officials are calling the "Firetown Road sidewalk gap closure."

The money stems from an initiative called the Community Connectivity Grant Program, which is designed to help towns fund construction projects to improve mobility, accessibility and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Simsbury is among 17 Connecticut towns and cities that were awarded a total of $8.2 million under the program's fourth round, Gov. Ned Lamont's office announced on Thursday.

Beacon Falls, Glastonbury, Plainfield and Prospect received the largest grants, at $600,000 each, while Easton received the smallest ($139,200).

"Connecticut's commitment to improving safety and mobility for all continues to be strengthened with this new round of awards," Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. "With 2021 being a record year for fatalities on our state's and nation's roadways, these investments are clearly needed. Not only will these investments improve safety, but they will continue efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our transportation sector and improve local air quality."

Under the terms of the grant program, Simsbury is expected to complete the Firetown Road sidewalk gap closure within three years.