October 21, 2011

REP. ORANGE AND SEN. DAILY ANNOUNCE
SIGNIFICANT STATE FUNDING FOR COLCHESTER PROJECT
More than $35 million for new DOT facility & sewer extension

State Representative Linda A. Orange (D-Colchester) and State Senator Eileen M. Daily (D-Westbrook) announced $35,453,985 in state funding for a new Department of Transportation maintenance facility in Colchester is expected to be approved by the State Bond Commission next Friday, October 28. The new facility will consolidate the operations of three outdated facilities in Montville, Lisbon and Higganum.

The project will include extending water and sewer service to the new facility, an important aid for economic growth in the town of Colchester.

“Extending water and sewer service will help us attract new business to Colchester,” Rep. Orange said. “I am happy Sen. Daily and I were able to work with Governor Malloy to get this project moving forward.”

At a meeting in Colchester, town officials expressed concerns that the grant was not going to be released in a timely manner. The town asked Rep. Orange and Sen. Daily to work with the Governor’s office to secure the funding.

“This extension of Colchester’s wastewater treatment capabilities represents the state’s commitment to infrastructure upgrades to better serve the local business community, which in turn will benefit all who depend upon the local economy,” Sen. Daily said. “Colchester has shown remarkable growth over the past few years and this bond allocation is additional evidence of our resolve to keep pace with that progress.”

The state Office of Policy and Management estimates the project will create 735 construction related jobs.

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:45 a.m. Friday, October 28th in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.