Donald E. Williams, Jr.

Senate President Williams Says Towns of Willimantic and Putnam to Receive Historic Preservation Grants

Funding will help grow jobs, preserve towns’ heritage

Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) says the towns of Willimantic and Putnam will receive Historical Preservation Technical Assistance Grants, which will help grow jobs and preserve local heritage.

“The grants are a win-win for both of these communities,” said Senator Williams. “We’re helping to grow jobs and preserve the character of the towns by making these investments. “

Forty-one non-profit organizations and municipalities in Connecticut received Historic Preservation Technical Assistance Grants this year. The Connecticut Trust for Historical Preservation says that every grant, “ . . . creates one or more short term jobs that employ architects, structural, mechanical and civil engineers, historic and preservation consultants, energy use consultants, technology firms and planning companies.”

The grants are funded by the Connecticut General Assembly, The Connecticut Humanities Council and the Commission on Culture and Tourism.

• The Town of Putnam is receiving a grant of $20,000 for the Historic Cargill Falls Mill project. The funding will pay for design and engineering costs and extension of the River Mill Heritage Trail.
• The Town of Willimantic is receiving a grant of $7,500 in order to fund the Capital Needs Assessment of the Windham Textile & History Museum. The Museum is a non-profit educational institution housing a museum, a library, and an archive.

“It has been thirty of forty years since the museum building has been significantly upgraded,” said Tom Gardener -Willimantic’s Town Engineer. “The grant will enable us to hire an architect and eventually make important repairs.”

“We can help grow the jobs of tomorrow by safeguarding the past,” said Senator Williams. “As Eastern Connecticut’s economy recovers from the recession it is critical we keep our eye on the ball and look for additional opportunities.”