The Torrington City Council voted to request technical assistance from the Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) to support grant and loan applications and other project planning for the city’s proposed new Baylor facility.

Chris Dutcher, project manager for MAP, told council the nonprofit provides no-cost assistance to qualified small and rural communities on water, wastewater and solid-waste projects and can help with applications, operator training and mapping. “We are no cost to the community, as long as you qualify,” Dutcher said, adding that MAP is funded through federal and state grants and operates under the Rural Community Assistance Partnership umbrella.

Public works staff and the mayor indicated prior positive experiences with the MAP program, and Public Works Director Jeff Harkins told the council MAP’s help would reduce staff time spent on lengthy grant and loan applications.

Councilman Deal moved to approve the city requesting assistance from MAP with the new Baylor facility; Councilman Victorin seconded. The motion passed on an affirmative voice vote.

City staff said MAP’s support would focus on funding procurement and technical tasks such as mapping and application preparation; MAP does not perform physical construction work but can connect communities with engineering resources and other partners.

The council’s approval authorizes staff to formally request MAP assistance and to proceed with application-support work as the Baylor facility project advances.