Portland will receive a $230,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant for the design of a recreational complex on 23 acres of municipally-owned property on Gospel Lane near Strickland Street.
The property will be used for a variety of recreational purposes, including athletic fields, a concessions stand, a pavilion, walking paths, basketball and tennis courts, and a parking lot. Events planned at the site will attract local and out-of-town visitors to the community, resulting in a positive impact on local businesses.
“Under Susan Bransfield’s leadership, the town has done so much to care for and develop properties,” said state Sen. Eileen Daily, D-Westbrook. “It’s an ideal situation when the state can partner with the town and help bring these plans to fruition.”
“These capital grants are important for many towns as they look to make repairs to critical infrastructure or promote economic development,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in announcing the grants this week. “At a time budgets are stretched to the limit, we can and must maintain our commitment to improving the overall quality of life for our residents.”
Portland's STEAP grant was one of several awarded to central Connecticut towns for various capital improvement projects. Other STEAP grants were awarded to Middlefield, Berlin, Cromwell and Southington.
“A community’s amenities are one of first factors up for consideration when anyone, whether it’s a family or a business, decides whether they want to grow roots there,” said state Rep. Christie Carpino, who represents Portland in the General Assembly. “Recreation is an important piece of that pie, and this grant will help Portland enhance its reputation as a community that offers a great quality of life to folks who choose to call it home.”
