Adding up the Numbers for Norfolk

By Matt Riiska
As my time as first selectman winds down, the projects go on. And on. The water main replacement project on Shepard Road has been completed, but the replacement work will continue Sunset Ridge and Sunset Hill. Other projects that are on the schedule are the Mountain Road Bridge over Spaulding Brook and the permanent bridges at Smith Road and Old Goshen Road.

I have often been asked why the town does not go after more federal and state funding for the many projects that have either been completed or are currently in process. I have been reluctant in providing a number for fear that our neighboring communities will go out and seek funds from the same sources. That’s because the number is big. Very big.

I will start off with two of the bridges that we completed in the past four years. We received $620,745, a 50 percent reimbursement for the Mountain Road Bridge over Norfolk Brook. For the bridge at River Place over the Blackberry River, the reimbursement was more than 80 percent or $2,423,000. For the Maple Avenue refurbishment project, we received a $500,000 STEAP (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) Grant.

For the construction of Norfolk’s new fire house, we have received a $2,500,000 grant from the state Department of Emergency Services. In addition, we have received $500,000 from the Congressionally Directed Spending Grant Program through the office of U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes.

Working with the Foundation for Norfolk Living, Norfolk received approximately $2.8 million in funding through the Community Development Block Grant Program through the state Department of Housing for the Haystack Woods affordable housing development that is now under construction.

There is more to come. The state has committed to pay the full cost of a new bridge over Spaulding Brook at the intersection of Mountain and Westside Roads, which amounts to $2.1 million. The cost of new bridges at Smith Road and Old Goshen are each estimated at $3,200,000. These are also 100 percent reimbursable projects.

This equates to $17,850,000 in funds provided by the State of Connecticut or the federal government as grants or reimbursements for the Town of Norfolk during my term in office.

Fall is now in full swing and there are many activities to either participate in or volunteer for. The Haystack Book Festival continues Oct. 2-5 , with a gala on Saturday, Oct. 4. The Norfolk Land Trust trail race is on Oct. 5, the Norfolk Rails to Trails Tour de Forest is on Oct. 18, and the Norfolk Lions Annual Lasagna Dinner will be held Oct. 25.

Have a great fall. Pease slow down and enjoy everything Norfolk has to offer.