The Town of Southbury has submitted a request to Congresswoman Jahana Hayes’ office for Community Project Funding (CPF) to help with repair costs to the Southbury Library, which was significantly damaged in the August 2024 flood.
As part of the application, the Town invited public input — and the community responded swiftly and powerfully. In less than four days, 1,540 residents signed in support and 14 personalized letters were also submitted, according to the First Selectman’s office.
The town posted the request on its website and social media at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8.
Shirley Michaels, chair of the Library Board of Directors, said she submitted a handwritten letter on the library’s official notecard about an hour before the noon deadline on Monday, May 12.
At the latest Library Board of Directors meeting, held on Wednesday, May 14, Head Librarian Heather Aronson added that she was very pleased with the response.
The temporary library remains in operation at the Heritage Hotel, as town officials have aimed at having the main facility opened in November
The formal request falls under the FY26 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Project Funding program, specifically within the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) account. The EDI program is designed to support community and economic development activities. Eligible projects include site rehabilitation, blight removal, and capital improvements to public facilities.
The Southbury Record will continue to monitor the status of the CPF request and share updates as they become available.
The Southbury Record 