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05/03/2017 04:07 PMApril 27, 2017: The state Office of Policy and Management (OPM) has approved $650,000 in state funding for Branford for dredging the 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 (D-District 98) announced Thursday, April 27.
"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. "I'm proud to have worked with First Selectman Cosgrove and my colleagues in the Branford delegation to get these much-needed improvements done to benefit the residents of Branford and our local economy."
In February, First Selectman Cosgrove reached out to Scanlon, Rep. Lonnie Reed (D-District 102) and Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. (D-District 12) 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.
"We appreciate the support from our state delegation in having the STEAP funds repurposed. Representative Scanlon brought state and local officials together to discuss the positive impact the grant award will have on Branford. These projects will benefit the local economy and contribute to maintaining the high quality of life the residents of Branford enjoy," First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove said.
"Branford's Stony Creek village is one of the state's key tourist attractions and a center for commercial and recreational activity on Long Island Sound. The dock hosts three different tour boats that operate all day and evening during the busy summer months, drawing thousands of visitors," Rep. Lonnie Reed (D-Branford) said. "It is also home to working boats vital to the shellfish, kelp farming and related fishing industries that are growing in the area as well as to hundreds of boats owned by residents and visitors. The ability to repurpose these pre-approved funds for more immediate needs is critical."
"Connecticut's shoreline and the waters of Long Island are keystone economic resources in this state, and in particular for communities like Branford," said Senator Ted Kennedy Jr. (D-Branford). "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."
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.
Scanlon is serving his second term as state representative for Guilford and Branford. He is the House chairman of the legislature's Insurance and Real Estate Committee and also a member of the Transportation and Public Health committees.