Left to right: Anita Mielert, President, Connecticut Preservation Action; Jack Shannahan, Member of the Board, Connecticut Preservation Action; Senator Gary D. LeBeau; and Representative Jeff Berger.
January 31, 2012
REPRESENTATIVE JEFF BERGER RECEIVES
AUDREY BECK HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD
House Chair of the Commerce Committee Jeff Berger (D-Waterbury) was awarded the Audrey Beck Historic Preservation award by Connecticut Preservation Action (CPA), for his leadership and work toward passage of legislation that expanded the use of the historic rehabilitation tax credit in Connecticut.
Left to right: Anita Mielert, President, Connecticut Preservation Action; Jack Shannahan, Member of the Board, Connecticut Preservation Action; Senator Gary D. LeBeau; and Representative Jeff Berger.
“I am honored to be one of the first state legislators to receive this award,” Rep. Berger said. “This highlights the fact that when it comes to economic development, we look to innovative approaches that preserve our state’s character and pay tribute to a rich and vibrant history.”
The award is named after late Connecticut State Senator Audrey P. Beck who was a strong advocate for historic preservation. The award, given to Representative Berger and Senator Gary LeBeau, co-chairs of the legislature’s Commerce Committee, marks the first time state legislators have been awarded this distinction. Previous recipients include former U.S. Representatives Barbara Kennelly and Nancy Johnson and Connecticut Light and Power for its Main Street program - a preservation-based approach to commercial revitalization.
The legislation leverages federal tax credit dollars and private investment to allow an increased number of historic properties to apply for state historic rehabilitation tax credits. This will allow properties in communities across the state to be preserved for future generations.
Connecticut Preservation Action is an advocacy group that supports legislation related to preservation at both the local and state levels. Issues in need of new laws or changes to current legislation are brought to the CPA’s attention by many preservation related organizations, such as the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, the State of Connecticut Historical Commission, local historic district commissions and interested individuals.
Rep. Berger serves the 73rd General Assembly District and is currently in his fourth term. He is Chairman of the Commerce Committee and serves on the Finance, Revenue & Bonding and the Judiciary Committee.