Norwich ― The city is slated to receive $2 million from the state Community Investment Fund grant for improvements to the waterfront, but while city leaders are grateful for the money, they have expressed disappointment that their entire $11.7 million request was not approved.

Local legislators announced Wednesday that the Community Investment Fund committee had approved $2 million for the city. While the allocation was listed as being for improvements to the Howard T. Brown Park at Norwich Harbor, the city’s $11.7 million request had covered a range of waterfront improvements, anchored especially at the Marina at American Wharf.

Kevin Brown, president of the Norwich Community Development Corp., which submitted the grant request on behalf of the city, called the announcement mixed news. The $11.7 million request included specific budgeted items ranging from $7.8 million to assist the new marina owners, Patrick and Brittany Dwyer of Somers, to revitalize the aging marina ― including new boat fueling equipment, electrical systems and replacing decaying floating docks.

The request also proposed cleaning out the overgrown, abandoned former miniature golf course property adjacent to Brown Park to make way for a public splash pad.

State Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, whose district includes Norwich, said she, too, was disappointed Norwich did not receive its entire waterfront grant request. She said she will submit the remaining $9.7 million in the city’s request to the state Bond Commission for a standalone grant. She hopes to learn whether the application will be successful in about two months.

Brown, Mayor Peter Nystrom and City Manager John Salomone said they will work with state grant officials and the marina owners to prioritize what projects should be done with the $2 million in grant money.

The three concurred that restoring fueling stations should be the top priority to convince more boaters to come up the Thames River and dock their boats at the Norwich marina. Nystrom also said the electrical system in the nearly 40-year-old marina badly needs to be upgraded to provide sufficient power to boaters at the docks.

The new fueling system, including above ground tanks already in place, new fuel lines and electrical connections, is estimated to cost $500,000.

“I would say the majority of the funds need to be aimed at the main marina property,” Nystrom said, acknowledging the funding is limited.

“We will restore public access and public use of the marina in partnership with the (new owners),” he said.

The city owns the land beneath the marina on Hollyhock Island. The portion of the mainland where the mini golf course and a former ice cream stand building is located are part of the lease to the marina owner.

Brown said if there is enough funding in the grant, he would like to revitalize the overgrown former mini golf course area to create a public splash pad in the summer and an ice rink in the winter. The Dwyers plan to reopen the ice cream shop.

“You can play in the splash pad and get some ice cream in summer,” Brown said. “Get some skates and get a hot chocolate in winter.”

c.bessette@theday.com