WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT) announced the awarding of two USDA Rural Development grants to the town of Sprague.

Sprague will receive a grant of $28,700 from the Community Facilities Program to update and repair critical facilities at the Town Hall. These essential repairs will aid in meeting full ADA accessibility requirements.

The Water Supply Plan will also receive a grant of $25,000 from the Water and Environmental Pre-development Planning Program. This grant will be used to assess and increase current system efficiencies as mandated by the Connecticut Department of Health regulations.

The Community Facility Program was established to provide grants for vital community facilities in rural areas, while the Water and Environmental Pre-development Planning Program seeks to offer assistance for drinking water and sewage systems in areas with a population of 10,000 or less.

“It is important that the needs of our rural population are not overlooked in these hard economic times,” Lieberman said. “The Rural Development Fund ensures that these critical systems and facilities do not go overlooked. These grants are investments in the future of Sprague.”

“Enhancing safe water supply and increasing public access to town facilities is a positive step forward toward fulfilling our commitment to Connecticut’s small towns. I congratulate First Selectman Catherine Osten for demonstrating the need for these funds and working diligently to secure them, " said Senator Blumenthal.

“This funding will help the Town of Sprague ensure the safety of its water supply and make overdue updates at Town Hall,” said Congressman Courtney. “ADA compliance at Town Hall and other public spaces is beneficial and safer for everyone. First Selectman Cathy Osten and the Town of Sprague did a tremendous job in a tough funding environment demonstrating need for this competitive funding.”

Dan Malloy and Nancy Wyman, the Democratic Party's endorsed candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor, today released their formal plans for their environment.

Malloy and Wyman's plan focuses on protecting our water, specifically Long Island Sound; lowering air pollution by investing in energy efficient technology and public transportation; and a renewed approach to land use that preserves open space and redevelops brownfield sites throughout Connecticut.

"Clean air, safe water and healthy land -- these aren't just descriptors of a great place to live, they're the critical elements for building business and making Connecticut a desirable place to work and live," said Malloy. "As Governor, I will bring a new sensibility to preserving the environment - something I spent 14 years doing as Mayor of Stamford. Together, we can achieve cleaner water, cleaner air, a healthier community, and a higher quality of life."

Malloy stressed that the state must be strategic about how it invests in the economy. As one example, he said that he would not support putting windmills in Long Island Sound.

Wyman echoed Malloy's belief that environmental concerns and revitalizing the state's economy should go hand in hand.

"An updated environmental and energy plan is a vital piece of the infrastructure improvements Connecticut needs in order to start creating jobs and sustain those jobs for the long term," Wyman said. "It is time for an administration that is proactive about lowering costs for business and boosting our economy by making transportation and energy efficiency a priority on day one."