Among the 146 projects that have been selected to receive state grant money is five safety projects by Bethel-based Ability Beyond Disability.

Governor Dannel Malloy says partnering with organizations like Ability is a smart fiscal investment to ensure the agencies can continue to provide services in an efficient and cost-effective way.  Malloy says this is the largest commitment the state has made to support and invest in community-based organizations that provide critical services to people across the state. 

Ability Beyond Disability is receiving a total of $975,000. 

Safety projects can include improving program accessibility including compliance with ADA requirements to purchasing generators to prevent service disruption to vulnerable clients with special needs.  The grant money can also be used to address maintainance that's been put off such as roof repairs and other renovations.

Another round of grants will be announced when new funding becomes available at the start of the next fiscal year July 1st.  Governor Malloy's budget also proposed adding another $30 million for nonprofit organizations in fiscal year 2015, bringing the total to $50 million.