Three Connecticut towns – Portland, Killingworth and Madison – got state-aid grants totaling $1.27 million to bolster their infrastructures to respond better to damaging storms and other emergencies, authorities say.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Tuesday the trio will receive Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) emergency management awards for infrastructure projects that will help strengthen response and mitigate damage during storms and other emergencies.
“Connecticut has made storm preparedness a priority—from ensuring utility companies are held to higher standards of service to better coordinating statewide response efforts and communications,” Malloy said in a statement. “These emergency management grants ensure that Connecticut cities and towns are better able to get information and services to residents—and return life to normal as quickly as possible.”
Portland was awarded $227,700 to design and construct a salt/sand storage shed that is large enough to accommodate mixing salt and sand for plow use, and far enough away from the public water supply to avoid contamination.
Killingworth will get $500,000 to construct a new emergency operations center, replacing its outmoded one. The new center will be adjacent to fire and ambulance services, and will be built partially below ground to better withstand severe weather.
Madison gets $500,000 for streetscape improvements that relocate overhead utilities in the downtown business district underground. This is the second phase of a four-phase project. Madison received a $500,000 STEAP award last year for phase one.
The State Bond Commission this month allocated $10 million for 2013 STEAP grants. Grants are awarded to small towns across the state in part due to their impact on overall regional economic development.
