NORTH BRANFORD — Reporter’s Note: On Friday, July 29, the State Bond Commission unanimously approved a $4.5 million grant toward construction of North Branford’s new police facility at 305 Forest Road, an estimated $13 million project.

In anticipation of the commission’s approval, the following information appeared in a press release issued July 27 by the House Republican Office, CT General Assembly:

House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora, (R, 86) said the scheduled Bond Commission vote on Friday is welcome news for this anticipated project that will enhance public safety and ensure that North Branford residents know their concerns and interests in Hartford are being met.

“This vote is a result of the collaborative efforts of all involved, from the town, its elected officials, state officials and advocates for this project who have worked tirelessly over the years to reach this point,’’ said Candelora. “We are truly grateful for everyone’s involvement, especially the Town Council members who have worked tirelessly to provide cost effective services to its residents.”

North Branford Chief of Police Kevin Halloran also weighed in.

“The Grant-In-Aid submitted by Representative Candelora to Governor Lamont to help finance $4.5 million toward the construction of a new police facility comes as a welcome relief to the citizens of North Branford and the North Branford Police. Representative Candelora and Chairman of the North Branford Police Commission Victor Pietrandrea worked together on this potential funding for some time,’’ Halloran said.

Halloran noted, “The current North Branford Police Department facility is in very poor condition and does not meet the current standards for accreditation purposes.’’

The current facility, located at 260 Forest Road, was built in 1970 by the Department of Public Works and is at the end of its life as useful for policing. This project has been in the works for over five years to find a suitable location and modern design for a new police station.

The project is finally moving forward and went out to bid on June 24, 2022. The new police station will be located at 305 Forest Road, just up the street from its current location. The bids for the construction of the new facility ranged between $12,100,000.00 and $12,934,962.00,00.

“We cannot thank Rep. Candelora enough for all he has done for the Police Department and Town of North Branford,’’ Halloran added.