Hartford – New London, East Lyme and Old Saybrook are three of five municipalities newly selected to receive $20,000 in state grants to recognize progress in adopting “Incentive Housing Zones”

The state Office of Policy and Management today announced the monetary awards, which can be used for any purpose.

The “Housing for Economic Growth Program” rewards municipalities that voluntarily establish the zones, which include mixed-income housing. The other towns are Torrington and Sharon.

“Connecticut residents need housing options they can afford,” said Ben Barnes, budget chief for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. “This program does that while also encouraging ‘smart’ development.”