Crisco welcomes housing-rehab grants

4 towns to get federal funds

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. , D-Woodbridge, today welcomed news of state approval for federal grants applied for by four 17th District towns.
Crisco said Naugatuck will receive a $500,000 grant while Ansonia, Beacon Falls, and Woodbridge are each in line for $300,000.
In each town state funds will help underwrite housing rehabilitation projects to improve conditions for residents without impacting the municipal budget.
 “I’m delighted by news of these successful grant applications because in the modest budgets of these four small towns there isn’t always room enough to complete all the projects one might like,” Crisco said.
“The $1.4 million to be shared in our district is part of a $10.9 million grant program for housing improvements in 31 Connecticut towns.”
This federal funding originates with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and its Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, which is in turn administered by Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development.
Crisco said the work to be completed ranges from energy efficiency upgrades to lead testing and remediation as necessary, and from electrical and plumbing improvements to kitchen and bathroom upgrades.
 “I’m particularly excited about the project in Naugatuck, where improvements will not only upgrade existing ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) units to ensure compliance, but it will add a half-dozen ADA-compliant units after conversions from six regular units,” Crisco said.
 “This seems to be a very cost-effective and creative use of public funding to help residents who require fully accessible housing by making more housing available for them.”

This is a press release from Crisco's office.