The Bond Commission authorized approximately $725 million in borrowing, the bulk of which will go to transportation infrastructure.
Repair, replacement and equipment programs for roads, bridges, bus and rail projects received more than $524 million.
Housing was the second-largest category, with approximately $49 million. Dakota Partners’ conversion of Hartford’s 390 Capitol Ave. into 112 apartments and commercial space and Spruce Meadows’ construction of 43 apartments on South Broad Street in Meriden each received a $5 million loan from the state’s housing trust fund. Four multi-family housing owners also received a total of $12.2 million in improvement loans.
Business-related borrowing totaled approximately $40 million. The bulk, $30 million, was split among replenishing the Small Business Express Fund — which provides loans and assistance to business — and a reallocation of Manufacturing Assistance Act funds to six companies.
Area companies receiving MAA assistance include C. Cowles & Co. in North Haven for property and training costs and Marsam Metal Finishing Co. in New Britain for construction and equipment purchases.
The Subsidized Employment and Training Program (STEP), which subsidizes the cost of hiring and training employees, received $3.7 million.
Meanwhile, the Hartford Economic Development Loan Fund received $2.5 million to provide revolving grants and loans to small and minority-owned businesses.
The Connecticut Science Center received $4 million for HVAC improvements and technology and exhibit upgrades. The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford received $2.2 million for renovations and improvements.
