MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Twelve cities and towns across the state are launching projects to enrich their communities with funding from the $45 million Connecticut Communities Challenge Grant Program.
The grants range from $1 million to over $6 million dollars for projects that will expand housing, retail spaces and social gathering areas, according to officials with the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
This first round of awards is going toward projects in East Hartford, Hartford, Killingly, Mansfield, Middletown, New Haven, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Stamford, Winchester and Windsor.
DECD Deputy Commissioner Alexandra Daum explained that these grants are leveraging about $74 million in non-state (federal, local, etc.) and private funding. Along with $57 million dollars from the applicants themselves, she said over $100 million are being invested into these communities.
"These projects demonstrate how important public-private partnerships are to driving local economic development and community revitalization efforts," Daum said.
The program also follows through with a promise and goal of supporting inclusive growth in historically-disenfranchised communities with 50% of the funding going toward Connecticut's distressed municipalities, she said.
When completed, these projects will improve the vibrancy of these cities and towns, she said, by encouraging people to move to these areas and to engage with the community.
Governor Ned Lamont agreed, saying that this program will have a major impact that will boost the "quality of life in our neighborhoods... making all corners of the state even more attractive for investment and opportunity."
The second round of the program is expected to launch this fall.
