July 27, 2012

REP. O'BRIEN WELCOMES BOND COMMISSION'S APPROVAL OF $980,000 GRANT-IN-AID FOR SUFFIELD UTILITY EXTENSIONS

State Representative Elaine O'Brien welcomes today's approval by the state Bond Commission of a $980,000 grant-in-aid for the Town of Suffield Utility Extensions in the vicinity of Bradley International Airport.

(Left to Right) Howard Orr, Suffield Economic Development Chairman, State Representative Elaine O'Brien,
Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, and Suffield First Slectman Edward McAnaney at the State Bond Commission
meeting that approved a grant-in-aid of $980,000 for the Town of Suffield's Utility Extensions
near Bradley International Airport.

The funding is for water and sewer utility extensions in proximity to Bradley International Airport along Route 75 in Suffield. There are approximately 80 acres of buildable land not serviced by water and sewer mains. The area is zoned for a planned development industrial park and is a key growth area for the community, as well as the airport region.

"The Bond Commission's approval of this $980,000 grant for the water and sewer utility extensions is great news for Suffield and the region's economy" Rep. O'Brien said. "The grant helps pay for a major infrastructure project that will open up a new industrial development area near the airport and will go a long way towards improving the economy and stabilizing property taxes."

Suffield's First Selectman Edward McAnaney and Howard Orr, Chairman of the town's Economic Development Commission joined Rep. O'Brien at Friday's state Bond Commission.

Chairman Orr said, "The funding will enable us to extend utilities and help us expand the industrial area to bring in small businesses which will grow our economy. We will be able to develop and invite small businesses to the area which are the prime job creators for the future."

Rep. O'Brien pointed out that the subject area is within the Bradley Airport Development Zone which provides tax incentives to businesses that locate within the zone and is not located in a residential area.

"I thank the members of the Bond Commission for their vote for this project and thank Governor Malloy for placing this item on the commission's agenda for approval," Rep. O'Brien said.