Newsroom - 2005

July 1, 2005

STAMFORD DELEGATION SECURES $59.1 MILLION FUNDING
FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS AS A PART OF STATE BONDING BILL
Environmental Studies Magnet School also gets $55.1M

State Representatives Carlo Leone (D-148^th District), Rep. Christel Truglia (D-145^th District), Rep. Jim Shapiro (D-144^th District) and Rep. Gerry Fox, III (D-146^th District) and Sen. Andrew J. McDonald (D-27^th District) announced the approval of funding for several projects in Stamford, as a part of the state bond bill passed by the General Assembly in special session this week and the $55M grant approved for the Environmental Studies Magnet School as part of the School Construction bill.

Of the bond funds approved, $750,000 will go towards the Holly Pond tidal restoration project. “I am thrilled to have secured this money because now the project can continue as planned,” said Rep. Leone. “We had received bond money in the past, but always knew that we would need more to finish the project.”

Over the years the pond has become polluted with silt and sedimentation runoff from the sanding of roads in the winter. Solutions for cleanup include dredging of silt from the pond and the installation of traps to prevent future accumulation of sediment. “Rep. Leone worked very hard to make this funding available,” said Rep. Truglia. “I am very proud of his efforts”.

Sen. McDonald added, “this is another victory for Holly Pond and for those residents who enjoy the pristine views of Long Island Sound.”

The delegation also announced a $250,000 grant-in-aid for a mobile medical unit for the Stamford Health Department that was based on a bill both Leone and Truglia introduced earlier this session.

In addition, the city of Stamford will receive $500,000 for radio systems to improve police and fire department communications.

In addition, the city of Stamford will receive $500,000 for radio systems to improve police and fire department communications based on a bill that was introduced by Representatives Shapiro and Leone. “One of the lessons we learned from 9/11 is that we need to make sure our first responders are adequately prepared for those types of situations. Having a clear communication system is of the utmost importance in order to avoid duplication of efforts and for safety,” Rep. Leone said.

Other projects in Stamford slated to receive money as a part of the bond package include $500,000 for site preparation costs for the Hunt Center for Pre-K Education and $100,000 for improvements to the playgrounds and athletic fields at Springdale School. “There are a number of young families in Springdale and this funding will help the children enjoy a safe and healthy place for recreation,” Rep. Fox, III stated.

Sen. McDonald added, “I’m also pleased with the funding for the Hunt Center, which is in dire need of expanding its school readiness program.”

Members of the delegation were also excited to see funding for Norwalk Community College. This regional community college provides many people from Stamford, who otherwise might not have a chance to do so, a chance to attend a nearby college.

The legislation now awaits signature by the Governor and final authorization of funding by the State Bond Commission.