$540,000 in New State Funds for Ansonia

October 12, 2022

State Representative Kara Rochelle (D – Ansonia, Derby) and State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D – Hamden) applaud the approval of $540,000 in state funds through Connecticut's Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program to restore or demolish two pedestrian bridges located at the former Ansonia Copper & Brass industrial complex, 75 Liberty St, and SHW/Farrell Building site, 35 North Main Street. This award will help with continued redevelopment efforts on these sites adjacent to Ansonia's downtown.

The Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program is administered by the state Office of Policy and Management (OPM) and awards funding for shovel-ready capital projects located within one-half mile of existing public transit infrastructure. The program aims to create walkable, mixed-use spaces that support vibrant and equitable communities.

A total of six municipalities were awarded $6.8 million in total grants to support seven projects in this round of funding. Grants range from $200,000 to $2,000,000 and can be used toward new construction, expansion, or replacement of existing facilities; site improvements; upgrades to public infrastructure; and land acquisition.

"We are making real progress to transform Ansonia and the Lower Valley into a destination for people to live, work, play, and thrive. I want to thank Governor Ned Lamont for being a great partner and for choosing to invest in revitalizing the Lower Valley. I also want to thank staff at the state Department of Transportation and OPM, city officials, as well as my partner in advocacy, Senator Jorge Cabrera. Through this team effort, we secured funds that will enhance the quality of life for our residents and advance our shared goal of moving Ansonia forward," said Rep. Rochelle.

"Thank you to Governor Lamont for approving this grant funding for this important project, " said Sen. Cabrera. "These funds will go a long way to helping to make Ansonia even more accessible going forward."

This effort is part of a larger strategy by state officials to transform the economic future of Ansonia, Derby, and the Lower Valley.

The $540,000 award builds upon state and federal funding that Rep. Rochelle, Sen. Cabrera, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro previously secured over the past two years to remediate the Ansonia Copper and Brass complex and the adjacent SHW/Farrel building site:

  • $500,000 in state funds in 2020 for the environmental clean-up and demolition of the SHW/Farrel site;
  • $1,000,000 in state funds in 2021 for the environmental clean-up of the SHW/Farrel site;
  • $2,000,000 in state funds in 2021 for the strategic future redevelopment of the 175,000-square-foot Ansonia Copper and Brass extrusion mill;
  • $200,000 in state funds in 2022 for an anticipated additional assessment and planning after the SHW/Farrel building is demolished.
  • $2,900,000 that U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro secured in July 2022 to aid the demolition of the SHW/Farrel building
  • $6,500,000 in state funds for the restoration of an access bridge at the Ansonia Copper & Brass industrial complex

The Ansonia Copper and SHW/Farrel properties make up a majority of the 100+ acres of developable space, representing a monumental opportunity to achieve significant economic growth and revitalization for the region.

 

The parcel of land is located in the heart of downtown Ansonia and is within walking distance of the Ansonia station of the Waterbury Rail Line. In July, the line realized increased service as a result of a $1.2 million state investment which Rep. Rochelle fought for during her first term. The governor included these funds in his January 2021 budget proposal. A new modernized train station for Ansonia is currently in the design phase with funds already approved by the state Department of Transportation. The design work is anticipated to be completed this December.