CT Office of Policy and Management OKs Branford Dredge Funds

The Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM) has approved $650,000 in state funding for dredging of the Branford town dock area, making improvements to the boat launch and repairing the seawall and town beach in the Stony Creek section of Branford, Rep. Sean Scanlon announced yesterday.

“The dock and boat launch in Stony Creek is the central hub of recreational and commercial boating in the town and home to a fast-growing tour boat industry responsible for bringing thousands of visitors into our community each summer who then shop at our stores and eat at our restaurants,” Scanlon said.

“Connecticut’s shoreline and the waters of Long Island are keystone economic resources in this state, and in particular for communities like Branford,” added Senator Ted Kennedy Jr. “I’m glad we were able to work to secure this critical funding for Branford to allow these vital repair and improvement projects to move forward.”

In February, Branford First Selectman, James Cosgrove, reached out to Scanlon, Rep. Lonnie Reed and Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. to request that the state re-purpose funds previously awarded to the town for improvements in Stony Creek.

On April 6, Scanlon convened a meeting in his Hartford office for Branford and state officials to discuss re-purposing the funds, and state officials later agreed to do so on April 25.

The funding is a result of Branford’s request to reallocate a $150,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant from 2009 for restrooms in Bayview Park and a $500,000 STEAP grant from 2013 to purchase Thimble Island Road.

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