New York State Sen. James Skoufis announced a $2.5 million state grant on July 12 to build a new parking garage in downtown Middletown.  
The money will fund the first-phase construction, adding 90 new parking spots just across the historic Paramount Theatre on Washington Street. 
“It is probably fair to say that a project like this would be extremely difficult to happen and see materialize without this kind of state assistance,” Skoufis said at the press conference. “So, I was happy to play a role in delivering this funding.” 
He added that State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins also played a key part. 
The grant was secured under the State and Municipal Facilities Program, which is part of the state budget and affords legislators wide discretion in awarding local projects. …