Bill, Signed by President Obama, Will Provide $712,500 In Infrastructure Financing For Storrs Center

Storrs, CT… The Storrs Center development planned for downtown Mansfield received a major commitment today with the approval of a $712,500 appropriation to be designated for critical components of the project’s infrastructure. The appropriation is included in the FY2009 Omnibus Budget bill that passed the House and Senate and is expected to be signed by President Obama on March 11th.  The appropriation was sponsored by Senator Joseph Lieberman and Congressman Joseph Courtney.  The application for the funding was submitted by the Town of Mansfield in February, 2008.

The funding will be used for construction of the pedestrian, bicycle and car friendly network of streets, sidewalks, open spaces, parks, infrastructure and landscaping that will serve the mixed-use Storrs Center neighborhood.  In addition to roads, necessary utilities, public streets, and sidewalks, the project scope will include a town square and market square as well as such public amenities as bus stops, street lighting, directional signage and street furniture. It
is expected that the funds will be designated for Phase 1 of the project, which will include two buildings on the North side of Dog Lane and the realignment of Dog Lane with a new intersection on Storrs Road.   The development of the new infrastructure will be coordinated with forthcoming improvements to Storrs Road.

Macon Toledano, Vice President of Planning and Development for LeylandAlliance, states, “We extend our thanks to both Senator Lieberman and Congressman Courtney for their strong leadership and ongoing support for Storrs Center.  The funding, appropriately, will help create the pedestrian-friendly network of streets, sidewalks and infrastructure that will begin to define the new civic heart of Mansfield.”

Speaking for the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, the organization guiding the Storrs Center development, Executive Director Cynthia van Zelm adds, “This is a major boost for Storrs Center and will aid significantly in laying the groundwork for Phase 1 of the project.  Once again, the Federal government has generously come forward with critical financial support.”

Storrs Center has successfully progressed through all required pre-construction approvals except a permit being sought from the State Traffic Commission for improvements to Storrs Road. The commencement of site work and building preparation for Phase 1A could commence in late 2009 or early 2010.