Westport Receives State Grant For Bridge Project

WESTPORT, CT — Westport is receiving $1 million from the state to go toward the replacement of the Cross Highway Bridge over Deadman Brook, Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Wednesday.

The grant is one of more than 40 going to small towns throughout the state "to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements, such as road safety reconstruction projects, emergency management upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhancements, educational and recreational facility upgrades, and other kinds of capital improvement projects."

A total of $30 million has been earmarked for the grants.

"Our small towns are an important part of what makes Connecticut such a special place to live and work," Lamont said in a statement. "By partnering with each town, we can help get these infrastructure projects completed so these towns can continue to thrive, remain competitive, attract businesses, and improve the quality of life for our residents."

Westport is contributing $1.13 million toward the replacement effort, and another $619,846 is coming from the state's Local Capital Improvement Project fund.

The grants are being provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, a state program managed by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects, according to officials.

In addition to the grants from the state, each municipality is also contributing funds, bringing the total spent on the 48 projects to $43.4 million in a combination of state, local, and other funding sources.

State Sen. Ceci Maher (D-26th), who represents Westport, praised the governor's action. Three of the towns that Maher represents — Westport, New Canaan and Ridgefield — are receiving a total of $1,580,640 through the grant program.

"Local repair, maintenance and replacement projects are vital for our communities, and this state-level support will make sure that work moves forward without financial issues," Maher said. "I'm grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for making sure our communities get this support to make valued and welcome enhancements."