Today's news of a $290,000 grant awarded from the state may be just the windfall needed to help put a talked-about town/private field upgrade plan into play.

As previously reported at Zip06, at the Sept. 21 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Town Council member and commission liasion Rose Angeloni noted the town had a "slim hope" of receiving the grant.

"I do have a slim hope we might get some money on that (and) until we're told we're not getting anything, I'm still holding out some hope that we do. If we do get any part of that grant, it could go up to $290,000; that is where the town could take money to put up for their side of the deal," Angeloni told the commission on Sept. 21.

While the grant was originally submitted to assist with upgrades to Memorial Park, the town has since been approached with a deal from CT Sportsplex which could lead to turf infield upgrades for as many as six town baseball/softball fields and renovating the grass and clay field at NBHS. Now, there is chance some of the grant awarded today could help to pay for that plan (see the story at http://bit.ly/1j5jHEg).

State Rep. Vincent Candelora (R-86) hailed the news of the $290,000 Small Town Economic Assitance (STEAP) grant awarded to North Branford today, noting in a press release the grant was submitted to assist with the renovation of five existing tennis courts and two basketball courts at the park at the North Branford Intermediate School and High School campus. The proposed all-weather, multi-purpose courts are an essential part to the success of the High School's Tennis Team and offer increased opportunity for community members to engage and stay active, Candelora said in the release.

"These courts are heavily used by the schools, club sports and residents," Rep. Candelora said. "I'm pleased to have advocated for this grant because without it, it would be difficult for our town to make necessary repairs during this tough economic time. I commend the Town Council's efforts on obtaining this grant."

In a separate press release, Gov. Dannell P. Malloy said the North Branford grant is one of 12 awarded to towns in the third installment of several rounds of grants this year.

"By partnering with our smaller communities, our state can assist towns with infrastructure projects that will help them grow, remain competitive, attract businesses, and bring added value to residents for years to come," Governor Malloy said.  "These STEAP grants allow us to get funding directly to municipalities to complete projects that make Connecticut a better place to work and live."

So far this year, Governor Malloy announced two rounds of STEAP grants – the first in March and the second in April.  Over the course of the administration, Governor Malloy has allocated $80 million in STEAP funding for towns across the state, according to the press release.