By Jennifer Coe - ReminderNews
Windsor Locks - posted Thu., Nov. 10, 2011

Sewer systems on local streets are antiquated and will be upgraded. Photo by Jennifer Coe.

Windsor Locks will soon be receiving a $500,000 grant intended for the refurbishment of the Pearl and Fern street roadways.

“For most Connecticut towns and smaller cities, budgets are stretched thin but their infrastructure needs and the housing needs of their residents haven't diminished,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said in late October. “That's why the Small Cities program - and the federal grants the program awards - are so critical,” he added. “The funding is key to these communities and their efforts to improve the lives of residents through housing programs and community projects.”

“We were very fortunate to get this money,” said First Selectman Steve Wawruck.

The grant itself is very specific on how it can be used. “The grant is very limited,” Wawruck said. “It is based on demographic and census bureau data.” Windsor Locks was one of 52 towns who put in an application for the money. “It is very highly competitive,” Wawruck added.

Windsor Locks also received the total amount that they asked for: half a million dollars. Windsor Locks, in fact, has received what they asked for in three out of the last four years, totaling $1.6 million.

This money will be used to refurbish Peal and Fern streets in a manner similar to the treatment other town streets have received in the past, including upgrades for the sewer system, storm drains and utility pipe upgrading. According to Wawruck, the roads will also be re-milled.

“This helps a lot because it is alternate funding, and for the tax payers, it relieves them of the entire burden of capital improvement,” said Wawruck.

A total of $12,342,000 in small cities grants was given to 28 Connecticut towns in 2011. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program provides grants to eligible municipalities for economic development, affordable housing, community facilities and other revitalization projects. The federal program is administered by Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development.

Other local towns that received grants included Wallingford, Rocky Hill, Stafford and East Windsor.