Southbury Receives $350K State Grant to Repair Flood-Damaged Library

SOUTHBURY, CT — The Town of Southbury will receive a $350,000 grant approved by Connecticut's State Bond Commission to assist in repairing the Southbury Library, which suffered severe flooding damage last year and has remained closed since.

State Representatives Jason Buchsbaum (R-69) and Arnie Jensen (R-131) praised the grant allocation, emphasizing the library’s importance as a community resource. Since the flooding incident, library operations have temporarily relocated to rented space at the Heritage Hotel.

"The library provides significant resources to the Southbury and surrounding communities with vibrant programming and services; therefore, this restoration is critical," said Rep. Buchsbaum, a former Southbury Board of Selectmen member and library trustee liaison.

Rep. Jensen noted the community’s resilience in maintaining library services despite the significant challenges posed by the floods. State Sen. Eric Berthel (R-Watertown) called the library a crucial community hub and emphasized the urgent need for restoration.

The town has estimated the total repair cost at approximately $1.4 million, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contributing reimbursement funds. The $350,000 grant will cover the remaining expenses after FEMA’s contributions.

The State Bond Commission approved the grant unanimously during a special meeting on August 1.