Windsor Locks board authorizes application for $5 million in state grants to rebuild Spring Street

The Windsor Locks Board of Selectmen voted to authorize the first selectman to apply for state grants to help reconstruct part of Spring Street after the town’s project was included on a regional selection list for a $5,000,000 award, town officials said.

Devin, who outlined the grant submission and engineering work, said the selection list from the Council of Governments/DOT process includes Windsor Locks for a $5 million award that would fund a portion of the roadway reconstruction. The town’s concept-level engineering estimate for that section is about $6.9 million, Devin said, leaving an estimated funding gap the board expects to close through other grants or local match.

The grant application and acceptance resolution, read aloud and signed during the meeting, authorizes the town — acting through the office of the first selectman — to apply for and receive state funding from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Economic and Community Development and other state sources, and to execute any documents necessary for those grants, the resolution states. The board voted by voice to approve the measure.

Board members described the Spring Street work in two phases. The engineering concept cited drainage failures below the roadway that will require replacement before final paving; that investigation remains incomplete and survey and camera work is ongoing, Devin said. He said the town typically holds a public information meeting once designs reach roughly 30% to show plan drawings and gather resident input.

Selectmen emphasized the competitive nature of the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program and said applicants often must include pedestrian and sidewalk improvements, crosswalks and other multimodal elements to be competitive. The board discussed additional funding opportunities — including CMDA and future SIF rounds — to address the estimated shortfall between the grant award and the concept cost.

The resolution instructs the first selectman to accept and direct grant funds for the project if awarded. The board did not provide a formal vote tally beyond the voice vote in favor. Town officials said more detailed engineering and a public information meeting will follow as designs advance.

Why it matters: Spring Street runs through the town center and has repeatedly drawn resident complaints; the board said the reconstruction would address failing subsurface drainage and improve sidewalks and pedestrian connections. The grant would cover most — but not all — of the current concept estimate, requiring the town to pursue additional funding or a local match. The board said it will return with more precise cost estimates and a design schedule as engineers advance the project.