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Community Corner

Reps. Shaban, Carter Applaud $342K State Grant for Mark Twain Library

State Representative John Shaban (R-135), State Representative Dan Carter (R-2) and Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that Redding will be awarded a $342,000 grant under the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) to be utilized for improvements to the Mark Twain Library parking lot.

The grant will fund the construction of additional parking spaces, which are currently very limited, and improve accessibility to the historic library.

“The Mark Twain Library is an invaluable cultural and social center for our community, and I’m thrilled these funds will help accommodate an increasing number of folks to enjoy the services and programs,” Rep. Shaban said. “It’s been a huge priority for me to return these tax dollars to Redding so that expansion of accessible parking could be made possible for young and old alike.”

“Mark Twain Library is an educational and recreational treasure within the Town of Redding, but is hampered by inadequate parking,” Rep. Carter said. “The library receives the majority of its financial support through town funding, but has not been easily accessible to those very taxpayers. I’m very pleased this grant will make visiting and utilizing the library easier for residents of all ages.”

The lawmakers persistently lobbied the Governor’s Office and the Office of Policy and Management for months, including multiple written requests, in order to push for the grant’s approval.

The Library currently receives 65% of its funding through the Town of Redding, and relies in large part on private contributions.

STEAP grants are designed to fund economic development, community conservation and quality of life projects for localities that are ineligible to receive Urban Action bonds. The grants are appropriated on a rolling basis to municipal applicants by the Bond Commission’s Office of Policy and Management.



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