Newtown is one of 15 communities that will receive funding under the latest round of Connecticut's Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants, which help underwrite infrastructure and capital improvements. The grants announced February 11 are the first of several rounds anticipated to be announced during this year.The Newtown Bee Thursday afternoon.

According to documentation from the state, Newtown was among recipient communities capturing the maximum amount of funding issued in the current round of STEAP awards, which is $500,000.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy said that the partnership between the state and some of its smaller municipalities will be broad benefits.

"By partnering with our smaller towns, we can support local projects that improve centers of commerce, transportation infrastructure, and town facilities, to make our state stronger and more competitive, all while improving quality of life," Gov Malloy said Thursday.

Lt Governor Nancy Wyman also sees a benefit to the funding.

"These investments mean smaller towns can undertake important improvement projects," she said. "Upgrading housing and roads, revitalizing centers of commerce, and other projects help these towns maintain critical services for residents."

Newtown's State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and JP Sredzinski, whose 112th District overlaps several neighborhoods in southern Newtown applauded the state's initiative, as well as local leaders who worked to secure the funding.

"I am thrilled and relieved that Newtown will receive this $500,000 grant for development at the Fairfield Hills property to continue infrastructure and streetscape improvements at the campus' main entrance and along connecting streets," said Rep Bolinsky (R-106) in a release to

He said First Selectman Pat Llodra, Grant Coordinator Christal Preszler and Newtown's state delegation have been working on this grant since 2014.

"It's a relief to finally get the green light! I thank Governor Malloy for his support and thank Pat and Christal for their patience," Rep Bolinsky added. "This grant will help Newtown make the FFH entryway a bit more welcoming for residents, visitors, as well as prospective developers and tenants as efforts continue to revitalize the property."

Rep Sredzinski touted the award as "great news for Newtown.

"The town has been in the process of redeveloping Fairfield Hills to best suit the community and this grant will go far in helping them achieve their long-term plans," Rep Sredzinski said. "The upgrades to the entrance will improve the overall [appearance] of the campus and will help the Town attract interested tenants to the property. In these difficult economic times, it is vital that the state support local projects such as this one to help offset the direct cost to the local taxpayers."

Newtown has already invested over $20 million in the remediation of Fairfield Hills, a former state hospital. Past revitalization efforts on the property include environmental cleanup, renovations, reuse or demolition of buildings, upgrades to infrastructure, installation of playing fields and hiking trails, preservation of agriculture, open space conservation, and limited commercial redevelopment, stated a release from the governor's office.

Details in the grant application indicate the grant will be used for procurement and construction of additional sidewalks and lighting primarily around the gateway entrance to the campus off Wasserman Way. Besides creating a more attractive main entrance for residents, those driving by or interested developers visiting Newtown, streetscape improvements would also enhance accessibility and safety for those crossing between Reed Intermediate School and Fairfield Hills.

"The sidewalks will improve pedestrian access to the facility by connecting to a pedestrian signaled crosswalk from the school across the street, as well as improve safety, as lighting will be installed along the sidewalks in currently unlit and dark areas," the application as scripted by Ms Preszler states. "The lighting will create a new look to the entrance which is now dark, except for one lit sign.

"Planned landscape elements at intersections will create visually appealing areas, helping to make the property attractive to prospective developers and investors wishing to locate here," the document continues. "The new sidewalks will tie into a second phase of the walking trail system on campus. Many walkers, runners and leashed dogs use the campus each day and this will allow them to walk on sidewalks in areas where there are none currently."

Additionally, fencing will be installed to improve safety between a soccer field and street and in a newly opened green space area at the entrance where Danbury Hall once stood, the document states. This area, near Wasserman Way, is sometimes used for special events including a farmers market, and the fence will ensure the safety of participants.

In the grant cover letter, First Selectman Llodra states that Newtown is continuing to invest significant resources to improve the property in order to attract economic development to the site.

"This development is crucial to increasing tax revenue and creating jobs in Newtown," Mrs Llodra wrote. "This streetscape project will help to reach our community and economic development goals. I am confident that the project will be carried out within budget and on time as our staff is experienced with the successful completion of many past projects."

The state has previously awarded Newtown $825,000 in STEAP grants for Fairfield Hills improvements. The redevelopment of Fairfield Hills is ranked as a Tier One project with the Naugatuck Valley Corridor Economic Development District. The district is a State of Connecticut recognized Economic Development District (EDD), the STEAP application states.

The Town has worked with many partners in this massive revitalization of the property, including environmental cleanup, renovations, reuse or demolition of buildings, upgrades to infrastructure, installation of playing fields and hiking trails, preservation of agriculture, open space conservation and limited commercial redevelopment, the application concludes. Partners in the funding for projects include State of Connecticut, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Valley Council of Governments/Regional Brownfields Partnership, and private investors.