State Grants Awarded To Old Lyme and East Lyme

The towns of Old Lyme and East Lyme got good news today. Both towns are being awarded grants under the state's Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP).

These grants are used for certain capital improvement projects, such as road and bridge upkeep, public water system maintenance, and other municipal facility projects. Here's how the towns plan to use the money

Boardwalk Repairs in East Lyme

East Lyme applied for and received a $500,000 grant for the Niantic Bay Overlook Boardwalk Repair (1.1 mile long “boardwalk”) project. The project consists of repairing damages sustained during Tropical Storm Irene which required a complete closure of the Overlook section of the boardwalk.  The Overlook provides the longest expanse of public boardwalk and beach combination in Connecticut. 

The funds will be used to repair the damaged portion of the Overlook Boardwalk by rebuilding it to a design that can handle a 100-year storm. As part of Amtrak’s rail realignment, the remaining 2,580 feet have already been rebuilt to a 100-year storm design. Repair of the Niantic Bay Boardwalk will re-establish coastal access. 

State Senator Andrea Stillman (D-Waterford) said, “Funding to restore the Niantic Bay Boardwalk will revitalize what is a major tourist attraction during the summer season and a favorite year ‘round destination for residents of the region, which in turn will provide a boost to the local economy and its hospitality dependent businesses.” 

“I would like to thank Governor Malloy and the administration for recognizing the significance of the boardwalk as an integral part of the ongoing revitalization of downtown Niantic, and for providing the funding for this important aspect of the project,” State Representative Ed Jutila (D-East Lyme, Salem) said.

Boathouse Renovations at Hains Park in Old Lyme

Old Lyme applied for and received $478,000 to expand and renovate the Boathouse at Hains Park on Rogers Lake. Renovations will make the boathouse ADA accessible with bathrooms, showers and workout room, and provide a space to properly maintain and repair equipment.  

The boathouse provides storage for crew racing shells and related equipment for rowing programs offered by Regional School District 18 and community clubs. 

“This is great news for the Town of Old Lyme. The STEAP grant will allow us to renovate and expand the much used Boathouse at Rogers Lake Trail,” Old Lyme First Selectman Bonnie Reemsnyder said. “This impacts so many people in our town and will create jobs as we proceed to get the work done. I thank Governor Malloy and the State of Connecticut for supporting our efforts in Old Lyme.” 

“The planned upgrade for this facility serves two purposes: a refurbished boathouse will accommodate more seasonal boaters and perhaps even extend the season to allow lake access for ‘leaf peepers’ to admire fall foliage,” State Senator Andrea Stillman (D-Waterford) said. “Beyond that, the boathouse is the year ‘round home to the Old Lyme Rowing Association, which in turn helps keep the high school rowing team afloat, so this investment will serve that group as well.”

In all, the state awarded STEAP grants to 14 towns: Bolton, Branford, Burlington, Chaplin, Columbia, Durham, East Lyme, Granby, Kent, Marlborough, North Haven, Old Lyme, Trumbull, and Union.