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06/21/2016 02:00 PMThe Tuxis Walkway will be getting a facelift this summer thanks to a $400,000 grant from the state’s Responsible Growth and Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program. Improvements to the walkway aim to promote usage of the train station and better accessibility to businesses on Boston Post Road.
The walkway is a boardwalk-style pedestrian pathway that stretches between Bradley Road adjacent to the Webster Bank lot at the north and the Boston Post Road between the Firehouse and Cumberland Farms on the south, wrapping around the western edge of Tuxis Pond.
The grant, which was awarded on June 8, was one of 20 awarded that day. Madison had originally applied for $2 million in funding through the program, according to First Selectman Tom Banisch, but multiple applicants and limited funds led to the reduced award.
“The amount of money available for the 43 projects was $11 million,” he said. “We were awarded $400,000.”
While exact plans for the remediation of the walkway are still in discussion, Banisch said the project has two goals.
“One is repairs and maintenance type activity on the walkway, but the main part is to accentuate the entrances so people know it is there,” he said. “What we are going to do is there is going to be like a red carpet of brick going from the firehouse back to the walkway. We are still planning the specifics.”
Banisch said he plans to move forward right away with this project.
“We have promised to do this quick so my goal is to have it done by the fall,” he said.
The improvements will tie in with the newly redeveloped downtown area. With Phase I of the downtown Center Project nearly complete, Economic Development Commission Chair Ryan Duques said he was pleased Madison received this funding.
“The proximity of Madison’s rail station to downtown is unique as it is a short walk to our center’s businesses, restaurants, and downtown residential living,” he said in a statement. “This grant will allow Madison to improve necessary infrastructure, increasing pedestrian access to and from the station while improving safety and aesthetics.”
State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr., (D-12) and State Representative Noreen Kokoruda (R-101) announced the funding on June 8. Kokoruda said better access to the train station will be a plus for Madison.
“Better access to rail transportation will be a great asset for the Madison community,” she said in a statement. “These funds will connect the town’s transit station to the newly redeveloped downtown area, which will boost our local economy, rail ridership and jobs. I want to thank the governor and State of Connecticut for their support, and I’m looking forward to seeing this project brought to completion.”
Kennedy said he hopes the improvements will help bring more people to the downtown area.
“Access to rail transportation is a great asset to the town of Madison. It allows people to commute to work, and also helps attract visitors to the downtown area where they can stop by our great local restaurants and shops,” he said in a statement. “I fought to secure the approval of this grant, which will further enhance Madison Station’s impact on our local economy. Making it safer and easier to commute from the train station by foot or bike will bring more people to our town so that they can enjoy all it has to offer, including our many great small businesses.”