HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Governor Ned Lamont announced Thursday he is reinstating the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, or STEAP, with a new round of grants totaling $15 million.
STEAP funds infrastructure improvement projects for towns that are otherwise unable to get urban action bonds.
The program will provide much needed support to Connecticut's municipalities while giving a boost to the economy, Lamont said, as the state continues to combat the fiscal challenges brought on by the pandemic.
According to Lamont, a special COVID-19 provision will be implemented in this round for expenditures related to a town's response to the pandemic, including new construction, expansion, replacement or renovation for existing facilities.
"Our small towns have been hit hard by COVID-19 and are in need of our help to fund these projects," Lamont said.
The application period begins Monday, July 13. A deadline is set for August 14. Recipient projects are expected to be announced mid-September, officials said.
STEAP has not been active since 2016, according to state officials.
