Trail Signs Grant Sought

The town has submitted a grant application in the amount of $4,200 to the Connecticut DEP Greenways Small Grant Program for new signs for the Center River Trail.  The decision for awards will be made in June 2008.  If awarded, the new trail signs could be installed in the fall of 2008.  The receipt of this grant will compliment the ADA compliance updates and new landscaping for the trailhead parking lot planned to take place during the summer of 2008.  For more information, call Cyd Groff at 285-1987.

Energy Task Team Update

The Energy task team is comprised of two town staff members, three residents, one high school student and one graduate student.  The task team has met twice.  The focus of the group has been to three aspects of saving energy – town facilities and fleet, industrial & commercial facilities in Windsor, and residential energy savings.  The group has been discussing the use of 20% bio-fuel for the town fleet & school buses, excess lighting at facilities along Day Hill Road, recycling at commercial/industrial facilities, and incentives for residents to change products and conserve. 

One resident member has volunteered to do an energy audit walkthrough for businesses and town buildings.  If more than a walkthrough is desired, a separate agreement would have to be made.  Companies can arrange a walkthrough by contacting the Environmental Planner, Cyd Groff, at 285-1987.

Governor Rell Announces Small Cities Grant Funding

Governor M. Jodi Rell recently announced the state has awarded $13,245,000 in Small Cities grants to 28 Connecticut towns.

In her announcement, the Governor noted that the Small Cities program is one of the best ways that state and federal governments can assist smaller communities in a wide range of development activities.  The grants allows partnering with towns to preserve or build senior centers, build housing for the elderly or low- and moderate-income residents and modernize municipal buildings.

Windsor plans to use its $300,000 Small Cities grant for its town-wide housing rehabilitation program. The program will address housing code violations, improve energy efficiency, handicapped accessibility and remove hazardous materials. The town proposes to rehabilitate 17 housing units.

The federal Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program funds the state Small Cities grants. The program, operated by Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides grants to eligible municipalities for economic development, affordable housing, community facilities and the revitalization of development projects.