WATERBURY, CT — In a major win for the Brass City, the State Bond Commission has approved $9.3 million in funding to help revitalize downtown Waterbury and a nearby neighborhood, marking a transformative investment in the city’s future.

The funding includes a $5.3 million allocation to the Waterbury Development Corporation for the environmental cleanup of the former Anamet manufacturing site at 698 South Main Street, a long-abandoned industrial property located near the Naugatuck River. Once home to a major brass manufacturing facility, the site has remained vacant for years. The cleanup marks a critical milestone in the city’s ongoing mission to reclaim underutilized land and unlock new opportunities for redevelopment.

An additional $4 million will be directed toward revitalizing the West Main Street corridor. The investment will fund comprehensive improvements to sidewalks, lighting, and roadways, aiming to enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall quality of life for residents and visitors. Many of these infrastructure elements date back over a century, and the upgrades promise to bring the corridor up to modern standards while preserving its historic character.

The project will also be supported by federal RAISE grant funding and will involve upgrades to approximately 4,440 linear feet of both surface and underground infrastructure. Enhancements will include modern water lines, a rehabilitated sanitary system, and improved storm drainage—laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth and business development in one of Waterbury’s most active areas.

City leaders praised the announcement as a game-changer for the community.

“Thank you to Governor Ned Lamont, House Speaker Matt Ritter, and Mayor Paul Pernerewski for their strong support of Waterbury,” said one local official. “I deeply appreciate their leadership and commitment to strengthening communities like ours. I look forward to the positive and lasting impact these investments will bring in the future.”

The approved funding sets the stage for a bold new chapter in Waterbury’s story—one rooted in renewal, connectivity, and opportunity.