October 21, 2011

STATE FUNDING WILL SUPPORT
MANCHESTER LIBRARY, COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Legislative delegation says grants will support infrastructure
and accessibility improvements, create jobs

Manchester’s state legislative delegation announced Friday the town is expected to receive state grants to fund library and community college upgrades at the upcoming meeting of the State Bond Commission set for Friday, Oct. 28. The legislators thanked Governor Malloy, House Speaker Chris Donovan and Senate President Don Williams for supporting their efforts to secure the funding.

The Whiton Memorial Library Branch will receive $425,000 to make the facility ADA compliant. The library is planning on a new elevator, new bathrooms and other repairs to bring it up to code and compliance standards. The town of Manchester will match this state grant.

 “This library infrastructure and accessibility improvement in my district creates jobs and improves the economy in Manchester's north end,” said Rep. Geoff Luxenberg (D-Manchester). “The support our current leadership team continues to show in Manchester is encouraging.”

“These improvements to the Whiton Library are particularly important because they are long overdue. I understand there has been a lot of focus lately on the main library and its expansion plans, but the Whiton branch has always been a valuable asset to the community and it serves and these handicapped-accessible improvements are necessary,” said state Sen. Steve Cassano (D-Manchester). “I'm also pleased with the state investment in the courthouse. There was a time not too long ago when there was debate about closing the courthouse, but this investment indicates to me that Connecticut is committed to maintaining this facility.”

"These projects not only add to the quality of life for Manchester, but every dollar of state funding we secure for our community helps stabilize local property taxes," Thompson said.

In addition, Manchester is expected to receive $165,000 for parking lot repaving at Manchester Superior Court.