More than $281,000 is on the way for improvements at town playscapes and the bandstand on the Town Green thanks to a recent state grant approval.

Governor Ned Lamont announced $31.3 million in Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants on Sept. 19. The funds are being awarded to 77 small towns and will be used to complete a variety of infrastructure improvements. North Haven will receive $281,122 which will be matched by $70,530.68 from the town.

According to the press release from the governor’s office, the town will utilize the funds to make enhancements to the playscapes and band on the Town Green. In March, the Parks and Recreation Commission sought funding to replace playscapes as well as the bandstand through a refurbishment block grant offered through the state Department of Economic and Community Development. The town’s bandstand is currently home to its popular Music Under the Stats series

The STEAP grant program is managed by the state Office of Policy and Management (OPM), and it delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects.

“Our small towns are part of what makes Connecticut such a great place to live and work, and by partnering with them on these grants, the state can help get these infrastructure projects completed so these towns can continue to thrive, remain competitive, attract businesses, and improve the quality of life for our residents,” Gov. Lamont said in a written statement.

Towns seeking funding under this most recent round of STEAP grants were required to submit applications to the state by Aug. 15. Towns receiving funding are expected to receive official award notification and instructions from OPM soon. Funding to support the grants was approved at a March 31 meeting of the State Bond Commission.