East Lyme — The town will receive a $500,000 state grant to help extend water and sewer mains and construct public restrooms by Cini Park, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's office announced on Tuesday.

East Lyme was one of a dozen towns across the state to be awarded funding in the latest round of grants for infrastructure improvements from the state's Small Town Economic Assistance Program.

"The extension of water and sewer mains will provide resources to operate new public restroom facilities and encourage an estimated 70,000-80,000 users per year," the state news release says. "This enhancement will add greatly to the experience of visitors and encourage greater economic vitality in the downtown Niantic area."

"We're very happy," First Selectman Mark Nickerson said in reaction to the announcement. "This is a really important project for our town."

Nickerson said the restrooms, likely to be located in the parking area of Cini Park, will serve the beach area and the eastern side of the Niantic Bay Boardwalk. 

The area near the beach has porta-potties, but lacks permanent public restroom facilities. 

Nickerson said the project will boost tourism in town and improve the area for local residents and visitors.  

"This is a big part of the future plans for our beaches and public parks," he said.

Town officials also are discussing a potential trolley service that could shuttle beach-goers from parking areas in town to the shore, he said.

State Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme, said in a statement that the project will complement the 1.1-mile walkway along Long Island Sound, as well as support the local fishing and party boat trade at Cini Park.

"This will add greatly to the experience of the estimated 70,000 to 80,000 annual visitors each year who enjoy our walkway along Long Island Sound and visit the newly renovated downtown area in Niantic Village," he said in the statement.

"We want to encourage greater economic vitality, not only in Niantic, but also across the river in Waterford where a new grant is helping to renovate the Mago Point area on the opposite side of Niantic River," he added. "That's good news for residents and business owners in southeastern Connecticut, and we thank Gov. Malloy for awarding this latest grant."

Nickerson said town officials hope to have restrooms built in time for the opening of the beach season.

k.drelich@theday.com

Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich