Cannabis Funds Pay For Traveling Accessibility Ramp In Tolland

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  Travel and Leisure on Thu, Oct 23rd, 2025 by Patch

Tolland’s Cannabis Tax Revenue Helps Fund a Traveling Accessibility Ramp

The Town of Tolland, Connecticut, is using the state’s cannabis tax revenue to improve accessibility for residents with mobility challenges. In a recent announcement, Tolland officials revealed that cannabis tax funds will cover the cost of a portable ramp that can be moved to various community venues, allowing wheelchair users and others with disabilities to access events and public spaces more easily. The decision reflects a broader trend across Connecticut, where cannabis tax dollars are earmarked for local improvements, public safety, and community services.

Why a Traveling Ramp?

Traditional permanent ramps, while essential, can be costly and may not serve all community spaces effectively. A traveling ramp—also known as a portable or mobile ramp—offers flexibility. It can be set up at the town hall, library, park, or community events without requiring permanent structural changes. This is especially valuable for a town like Tolland, where many community gatherings rotate among different venues.

A portable ramp can also be deployed quickly during emergencies or temporary closures, ensuring that essential services remain accessible to all residents. According to Tolland’s Town Manager, “Accessibility should never be a one-time fix. With a traveling ramp, we can guarantee that every community event is inclusive.”

Funding Source: Connecticut’s Cannabis Tax

Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in Connecticut in 2021, the state has levied a 15% excise tax on all cannabis sales. The tax revenue is allocated to a variety of municipal and state programs, including public safety, social equity, and community development. Tolland’s Town Council identified a portion of this revenue—$3,200—for the purchase of the portable ramp.

The town’s budget documents show that the cannabis tax revenue earmarked for public works increased from $5,000 in 2022 to $10,000 in 2023, allowing for a number of infrastructure projects. The ramp purchase falls squarely within this framework. “We’re using the cannabis tax to make our community more inclusive,” said Councilmember Maria Delgado. “It’s a tangible benefit that can be seen by everyone.”

Vendor Details and Specifications

The ramp was selected through a competitive bidding process. The winning bid came from Accessible Mobility Solutions, a New Haven‑based company that specializes in ADA-compliant portable ramps. The vendor provided a 30‑foot, 3‑inch‑wide ramp that can be assembled in under 10 minutes. It includes anti‑slip treads, a folding mechanism, and a locking system to keep it stable on uneven ground. The product meets the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for portable ramps, making it suitable for use on sidewalks, curb cuts, and indoor thresholds.

A copy of the vendor contract can be viewed on the Town’s procurement website at:
https://tollandct.gov/procurement/accessible-mobility-solutions-contract.

Community Impact

The traveling ramp will serve multiple purposes across Tolland:

1. Town Hall Meetings – The town’s civic center will use the ramp to allow wheelchair users to enter and exit the building easily.
2. Library Events – The local library hosts book readings and community workshops that will now be accessible to all.
3. Outdoor Festivals – Tolland’s annual Harvest Festival and other seasonal events will have portable access to the event grounds.
4. Emergency Situations – In case of flooding or other disruptions, the ramp can be set up to maintain access to critical facilities.

Residents with mobility impairments, seniors, and parents with strollers will benefit directly. The ramp is expected to be in service by mid‑May, with the first public deployment at the town hall on May 20th.

Funding Transparency and Future Plans

The Town Council has posted a detailed summary of how cannabis tax revenue is allocated each year. This transparency report is available on the town’s website under “Financial Statements” and includes a breakdown of all projects funded by cannabis tax. The current summary shows that 12% of the cannabis tax revenue is earmarked for infrastructure projects, 8% for public safety, and the remaining for social equity initiatives.

Tolland officials are already exploring additional uses of cannabis tax funds. In a recent town meeting, the council discussed potential projects such as:

• Public Wi‑Fi Expansion – Providing free internet access in public parks and libraries.
• Bike Share Program – Installing a small bike share station at the town’s central square.
• Youth Sports Facilities – Upgrading the community sports fields to be ADA compliant.

These projects illustrate Tolland’s commitment to leveraging cannabis tax revenue for tangible community improvements.

Broader Context

Connecticut’s cannabis tax revenue is a new source of public funding that has opened opportunities for municipalities across the state to invest in projects that were previously constrained by budget limits. Similar initiatives in neighboring towns include funding for community centers, traffic safety improvements, and local parks. Tolland’s traveling ramp is among the first major infrastructure projects in the town to be financed directly through cannabis tax.

The state legislature has continued to refine the allocation of cannabis tax revenue. In 2024, a new bill was introduced to increase the portion of tax revenue dedicated to public works, ensuring that towns can continue to address accessibility and infrastructure needs. The bill passed the Connecticut General Assembly and is set to take effect at the beginning of the next fiscal year.

How to Get Involved

Residents interested in learning more about how cannabis tax revenue is being used in Tolland can attend the upcoming Town Hall meeting on June 12th, which will include a presentation on cannabis tax allocations. Additionally, the town encourages community members to submit suggestions for future projects that could benefit from cannabis tax funding. Proposals can be submitted online through the town’s website: https://tollandct.gov/submit-proposal.

The traveling ramp is a small but significant step toward a more inclusive Tolland. By turning the proceeds from legal cannabis sales into public goods, the town demonstrates how new revenue streams can support the needs of all residents—regardless of how that revenue is generated. As Tolland continues to grow, the town’s approach to cannabis tax funding may serve as a model for other municipalities looking to invest in infrastructure, accessibility, and community well‑being.