New London — Gov. Dannel Malloy on Friday announced more than $31 million in funding to support the development of affordable housing options in ten Connecticut municipalities, including apartment units for the elderly in New London and Norwich.

The funding, part of several state housing initiatives, “will help create, rehabilitate or preserve nearly 600 affordable housing units,” according to the announcement. The units help in the state’s efforts to battle homelessness, it said. 

The New London Housing Authority will receive up to $4.26 million for improvements at the George Washington Carver Apartments at 202 Colman St. The funds, which are subject to State Bond Commission approval, will go toward HVAC and fire suppression systems upgrades, unit renovations and handicapped accessibility improvements, according to a release Friday from the New London mayor’s office.

“When we invest in affordable housing, we invest in Connecticut’s future,” Malloy said in the announcement. “Our affordable housing policies continue to make our state a more attractive place to live, work and raise a family, while providing stability and assistance to our veterans and our most vulnerable residents.”

“With this round of funding, I look forward to continuing the progress we have made in transforming Connecticut into an affordable housing leader,” the governor said.

Norwich also will be receiving a share of funding, according to the announcement. The city’s Housing Authority will receive up to $1.82 million for elderly housing at Eastwood Court. Those items include paving, lighting, hot water heaters, building renovations, exterior improvements including siding and doors, and laundry room, electrical and handicapped accessibility improvements.

The state has created, rehabilitated or preserved approximately 10,000 affordable housing units since 2011, according to the governor's announcement.