The Town of Trumbull has been awarded a $128,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant to complete Phase 1 of the Veterans and First Responder Center project. Phase 1 includes design, demolition of the existing condemned structure and site preparation work. Trumbull is matching the grant with $200,000 in funds for full construction design, which were authorized by the Board of Finance and Town Council in Spring 2020. The project will be built on the site of the former Veterans Center at 1 Veterans Way on Kaatz Pond.
In March, a Building Committee was established for the project. Former First Selectman Raymond Baldwin, a Marine Corps veteran and former police officer, chairs the committee. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion, along with Town Council representatives and other community volunteers on the committee, have been busy developing a concept vision for the project and a fundraising plan. The proposed Veterans and First Responder Center will provide veterans from Trumbull and the region an essential space to meet and get connected to healthcare, social services and job opportunities. The Trumbull Police Department and other services in Trumbull and the region, including the dive team, will use the Center for training. The police currently lack adequate space for required training. Town departments, boards and civic groups will use the facility for meetings and events. The public will also be able to rent the facility for private functions. The project represents an important initiative to unify and strengthen critical components of the community.
“I want to thank everyone who contributed to the preparation of this grant application. Receiving this news as Veterans Day approaches seems perfect. I know Trumbull residents will join me with excitement and their support as this project gets underway,” stated First Selectman Vicki Tesoro.
“This first significant infusion of funding will get us through the first phase of the project. We will be rolling out additional fundraising to corporations, individuals and foundations to secure the funding for Phase 2, which will include construction. This project has tremendous support from the Trumbull community. Our First Selectman, Town Council Chairman and representatives, State Legislative Delegation, and residents from all parts of Trumbull have been extremely enthusiastic and supportive. Our veterans and first responders are grateful for that support and for the project to get underway,” stated Raymond Baldwin, Building Committee Chairman.
For more information on the Veterans and First Responder Center project or how to become a contributor, please contact Raymond Baldwin, TVFRC Building Committee Chairman, at Raygbaldwin@gmail.com or Rina Bakalar, Director of Economic and Community Development, at rbakalar@trumbull-ct.gov.