Connecticut recently increased funding for its Town Aid Road (TAR) grant program from $60 million to $80 million for fiscal years 2026-2027.
This 33 percent year-over-year increase is the program’s largest investment in more than a decade.
The program provides the state’s 169 towns and four boroughs with funding for transportation-related needs such as essential public transit services, traffic signal upgrades, snow plowing, road and bridge repair, and tree trimming. No local match is required, and municipalities determine how to use funding.
“Everywhere I go in this state, people just want to know that we’re paving the damn roads — and I’m here to tell you, we’re getting that job done,” Gov. Ned Lamont said at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Newington Highway Department. “This increase in state funding for our municipalities is a real, boots-on-the-ground investment that helps towns repair roads faster, improve safety, and respond better to severe weather. It’s one more way our state is partnering with municipalities to improve the quality of life for residents and communities.”
Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, local officials and legislators also attended the press conference.
Funding increases are being distributed statewide based on population and road mileage.