Kathryn Russell
Sep 8, 2023
Taking Things for Grant(ed)
Hello!
Deep River residents have benefitted over the past 20 years from many State and Federal grants. These grants have given us our beautiful sidewalks downtown, refurbished, energy- efficient windows in the Congregational Church, and the soon to be restored children’s playgrounds at Devitt Field and Plattwood Park.
In my capacity as a member of the Library Board of Trustees, I have worked diligently over the past year to secure two grants to refurbish windows in the Library which have been neglected for over 50 years. One of these grant requests is under active consideration by the State and we will know the results by year-end. After five months of work on a second grant application, we learned that a separate lengthy application process would need to be completed before our windows request would even be considered. One step forward, and two steps back.
Grants tap State and Federal funds which are created from citizen tax dollars. It is in the overall benefit of Deep River residents to secure grant funding when possible. However, while grants can be a welcome supplement to our Town budget, we cannot be fully reliant on them to take care of the basic repair and maintenance of our Town owned buildings and properties. Nor can we afford to approach the grant submission process serendipitously.
As your First Selectwoman, I will develop a structured approach to grant identification and application which will include a specific project plan, regular review, and results assessment. Our strategic approach to grant identification will align with the strategic priorities of the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, Planning and Zoning, the Economic Development Commission and other key boards and commissions.
I will work with the Board of Selectmen, Town staff, Town residents, our State Senator, and State Representative to develop and execute a strategic plan to target and apply for grants to help us repair our infrastructure, enhance our downtown area, and support our residents with cultural and wellbeing programs. I will lead our use of a strategic framework to focus and support the grant application process and enhance results.
Thank you for your continued interest and support of my campaign.
Warm regards,
Katie