NEW HAVEN, CT— U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti today announced that the City of Ansonia has won $1,073,594 from the Economic Development Association (EDA). The funds will go toward constructing an access road and associated infrastructure to open up 44 acres for development as Phase 2 of the Fountain Lake Commerce Center. The EDA estimates that its investment will ultimately lead to the creation of 225 jobs, safeguard 100 more, and leverage $11 million in private sector investment. Farrel Corporation will be the site’s first occupant.

Murphy said, “The EDA’s investment at Fountain Lake Commerce Center is going to open up development opportunities along Route 8 and Route 334, and will strengthen the Ansonia community for decades to come. This investment will support and create hundreds of local jobs, make Ansonia a more attractive and dynamic place to live and conduct business, and pay dividends in the long-run by paving the way for future economic growth and development throughout Connecticut.”

“This grant is an example of what is possible when government and the private sector work together,” DeLauro said. “I am proud to have championed the development of the Fountain Lake Commerce Center for years and am honored to have played a role by bringing together Mayor Cassetti and EDA officials last month. This project is of critical importance to Ansonia and would not have moved forward without these funds. Congratulations to Mayor Cassetti and his team, and I look forward to seeing the results for years to come.”

Blumenthal said: “This $1 million federal grant is a major breakthrough for Ansonia—literally paving the way for the long-planned development of Fountain Lake and the new home of Farrel, one of Ansonia’s most iconic and historic manufacturers. I applaud Mayor Cassetti for this game-changing award, and welcome EDA’s support for this important development.”

"Thank you to the U.S. Economic Development Administration and Marguerite McGinley. Representative Rosa DeLauro and the Congressional Delegation, our Naugautck Valley Economic Development District and my Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley for their support and help in securing this grant," said Cassetti.

"The significance of this grant goes well beyond the construction of a new road in Ansonia. Farrel Pomini is the backbone of the City. Manufacturers like Farrel helped shape the City of Ansonia and drive our economy. I am pleased that my administration and this team effort has resulted in a new road that will open up a badly needed industrial park, eventually creating an opportunity to increase our employment levels and our tax base," continued Cassetti.