MONROE, CT — The town received a $500,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant from the state of Connecticut to fund upgrades and a small expansion to the Monroe Animal Shelter, First Selectman Ken Kellogg announced.
“Our animal shelter was built in 1990 and there have been minimal improvements since,” Kellogg said. “We have already conducted significant evaluation and design for this project, and this state funding will cover about 60 percent of the estimated construction costs.”
The town’s portion of the costs were appropriated in a prior budget cycle and will not require any bonding, according to Kellogg.
He said the project will involve a renovation and expansion of the existing facility to improve animal care and sheltering conditions, provide improved customer service, and bring the shelter up to Connecticut Department of Agriculture standards.
Such needed upgrades include new doors and windows, roof replacement, HVAC replacement, plumbing alterations and electrical and security upgrades. A small, 250 square foot addition to the structure will be included.
In another press release from State Sen. Marilyn Moore, D-Bridgeport, who also represents parts of Monroe, Moore said, “the officers who work at Monroe’s animal control facility do great work rehoming animals in need. The necessary program helps take care of sick and injured animals as well as animals who are lost and need a new family to go home with. The facility deserves this funding for the great work they do every day. I am grateful to Governor Lamont for his support.”
“Our small towns are an integral part of what makes Connecticut such a special place to live and work,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “By working with them on these grants, the state can help get these vital projects completed so these towns can continue to grow, thrive, and attract businesses, while improving the quality of life for our residents.”
“The upgraded, expanded shelter will serve Monroe well for decades to come,” Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, said in another press release. “This is a wise investment to create a safer and more secure facility which will be an asset to the town and its residents. We congratulate Monroe on this significant award.”
“This grant will greatly benefit our community through this planned expansion and renovation,” said Rep. Tony Scott, R-Monroe. “I want to thank the state for recognizing this need in our community. Our animal control officers do important work and I’m pleased we’ll be able to support their efforts with this funding.”
“I am ecstatic to learn that grant funding has been approved for the town’s animal control facility,” said Monroe Animal Control Officer Gina Gambino. “This will usher in a new era of updated, humane housing for our community’s stray pets and other domestic animals. I look forward to operating a remodeled facility that reflects the truly welcoming feel of our town, and will meet the Department of Agriculture’s newly revised municipal shelter guidelines.”
Kellogg credited the work of William “Bill” Holsworth, the town’s director of Community & Economic Development, for putting together a successful application with assistance from multiple staff from the Police and Public Works departments.
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