MONROE, CT — Monroe received approval for a $128,205 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant to replace its public safety radio communications system.
First Selectman Ken Kellogg said voters approved over $1 million for this project at a Town Meeting in January. It was selected for submission because it met the new requirements of the STEAP program, including that all town funding approvals be in place.
“This grant will now cover roughly 10-percent of the cost of the project, while also lowering our bonding costs for this critical upgrade of our public safety communications infrastructure,” Kellogg said. “I am very grateful that we have received the maximum award for the 2020 grant — every dollar is important.”
Kellogg announced the awarding of the grant in a recent press release, along with state senators Kevin Kelly, R-21st, and Marilyn Moore, D-22nd, and State Rep. J.P. Sredzinski, R-112th.
“I want to thank everyone who worked together to make sure the needs of Monroe’s residents are being heard in Hartford,” Kelly said. “Public safety is a core function of government and it is important that we always work to ensure our local safety systems are modernized, especially during these difficult times.”
“I want to thank the governor for his willingness to award these state funds to Monroe for this meaningful capital project,” Sredzinski said. “I have been a big proponent of this program for several years and was pleased to have supported these projects. Towns are required to apply to the state and provide their own funding in order to be considered.”
“I’m grateful that Governor Lamont awarded funds to Monroe to address public safety,” Moore said. “Now more than ever our communities need to be prepared in emergencies. The funds will be used to replace the public safety radio communications system that is used to prevent or respond to incidents in the community.”
The Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) funds economic development, community conservation and quality of life projects for localities that are ineligible to receive Urban Action bonds. This program is administered by the Office of Policy and Management.
STEAP grants are coordinated by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, and grants are administered by the appropriate state agencies depending on the specific project involved. Under state law, STEAP grants can only be used for capital projects.
A project is considered to be a capital project if it is new construction, expansion, renovation, or replacement for an existing facility or facilities. Project costs can include the cost of land, design, engineering, architectural planning, and contract services needed to complete the project.
