Senator Witkos Applauds $387,000 Main Street Grant Awarded to Canton

The following is a press release from the office of state Sen. Kevin Witkos. Read our earlier story here. 

Hartford — State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton) applauded the state’s decision to award a $387,000 Main Street Investment Fund grant to the Town of Canton.

“This funding will help Collinsville improve its infrastructure, help local businesses and build on the incredible resources already available to our residents and visitors,” said Senator Witkos. “It is a smart investment that will connect businesses and the pedestrians who enjoy our community, whether fishing at the Farmington River or walking on the Rail Trail. Thanks to this grant, our town will become a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

The Town of Canton plans to use the funding for the construction of historically appropriate improvements that will provide safe pedestrian access, organized parking and most importantly create critical linkages between area with significant activity to areas of businesses.

This project will help businesses from current activities due to the location of the State Route, the Farmington River and the construction of the very successful and well used Farmington River Rail Trail among other scenic and historic destinations.

Specifically, the grant will be used to fund Area 1 and 3 as proposed for sidewalk improvements, way finding signs, trees, pedestrian lights, crosswalks and other improvements.

Administered by the Connecticut Department of Housing, the Main Street Investment Fund provides funding to develop or improve town commercial districts, attract small businesses and improve pedestrian access and livability in town centers.

The program provides financial incentives to eligible municipalities as well as owners of commercial private properties for expenditures that directly support and enhance a qualified project. The awards are not more than $500,000 and can be used for expenses such as building improvements, signage, lighting and streetscape improvements. 

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne Klein announced the grants for 14 municipalities on Thursday, July 11th.