Ansonia receives $400K to complete riverwalk

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti was notified Thursday that the City was successful in requesting an additional $400,000 in federal funds for the completion of a segment of the riverwalk.

This grant is an 80 percent federal and 20 percent local share matching grant.

Segment 8 of the Riverwalk includes the construction of an additional 500 feet of 10-foot paved multi-use trail atop the western flood control dike, including a 130-foot pedestrian bridge over the Metro-North railroad. 
The project terminates at Pershing Drive.
Up to this point, the City did not have sufficient funds to complete this segment of its riverwalk.

“I know how important the riverwalk is to the residents of Ansonia and I wanted to move this project forward as quickly as possible," Cassetti said.

"That is why I requested additional funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (ConnDOT’s) agreement to complete this project. I am thrilled we have been able to successfully secure the funds necessary and thankful to the FHWA and ConnDOT.
“Residents from Ansonia and surrounding towns continue to take advantage of our beautiful riverwalk. This segment will make a nice addition and provide enjoyment for our residents. It’s all about enhancing the quality of life for our residents," Cassetti said.

The project has had costly obstacles to overcome including obtaining the required permits from the state and federal agencies, crossing the Metro-North rail line, and building on top of a flood control dike.

Additionally, the cost of the bridge has risen since the inception of the project in 2009.


This is a press release from Sheila O'Malley, Economic Development Director and Grants Writer, City of Ansonia.