December 2, 2011

SPEAKER DONOVAN, REPS. ALTOBELLO AND ABERCROMBIE
ANNOUNCE $3.5 MILLION FOR MERIDEN HUB SOIL CLEAN UP

House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) and Meriden State Representatives Emil “Buddy” Altobello and Catherine F. Abercrombie announced today that Meriden will receive $3.5 million in state bond funds for soil remediation on Meriden’s downtown HUB site.

The funds support the ongoing HUB redevelopment on the 14.4 acre brownfield site located in downtown Meriden. It is a major initiative that will create significant economic development opportunities, public green space, and flood storage capabilities.

“We are focused on economic development and putting people to work,” Speaker Donovan said. “This funding moves Meriden closer to its vision for a stronger, more vibrant downtown area. Being able to clean up contaminated soil on the HUB site and address the flooding problem opens the way for the development opportunities and job growth we anticipate will come to this revitalized location. I thank Governor Malloy for his continuing support of our efforts.

“It is great that Meriden will be able to utilize these funds for remediation and economic development, especially in a downed economy,” Rep. Abercrombie said. “This type of project spurs additional economic activity and will be a much-needed shot in the arm for our city.”

“Brownfield remediation creates jobs, increases the tax rolls and preserves open space,” Rep. Altobello said. “This is an effective and efficient use of public funds to benefit the City of Meriden.”

Remediation of the contaminated soils on the HUB site will allow for the work necessary to reconfigure the site for flood control purposes and to permit reuse of the site for green space and economic development purposes.

A year ago the Bond Commission approved $2 million to advance a flood control project for Meriden that is part of the overall HUB development program.

The soil remediation funds are expected to be approved at the State Bond Commission meeting scheduled for December 9, 2011.