Towns and regional entities have until December 31, 2011 to apply for state grants to jointly perform a service they have been performing separately. The grants, known as Regional Performance Incentive Grants, are funded by a portion of the state hotel tax and rental car surcharge.
In order to qualify for a grant, applicants must show that their proposed projects (1) are new (on a regional basis), (2) demonstrate cost savings, (3) would not result in any loss of services, and (4) are sustainable on a regional basis once established. The program is open to two or more towns, regional planning organizations, regional economic development districts, and any combination of these eligible entities.
As the Harford Courant recently reported, five towns are considering applying for a grant to conduct a detailed feasibility study for a regional 911 dispatch center. The proposed center would serve Berlin, Cromwell, Newington, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield and could result in savings for each town.
