Waterbury Delegation Members, Naugatuck Valley Community College Applaud State Investment in Infrastructure and Education Projects
Today, members of the Waterbury legislative delegation – State Senator Joan Hartley, State Representative Ron Napoli Jr., State Representative Larry Butler and State Representative Geraldo Reyes – joined by Dr. Lisa Dresdner, Chief Executive Officer of Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) applauded the State Bond Commission’s approval of over $6.4 million in state funding for several projects that will make upgrades to two parks in Waterbury, install a new football field at Wilby High School, and finance numerous improvements to the campuses of NVCC to support greater accessibility for students with disabilities.
“I want to thank Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for their support of these quality of life projects that will better the educational experiences that Waterbury students receive, in addition to making needed upgrades to our city’s parks,” said Sen. Hartley. “Also, I want to recognize my fellow members of the city’s legislative delegation for their partnership in advocating for the needs of our constituents.”
“To see my bond request for 3 million for the football and track field at Wilby High School become a reality is one of my proudest moments as a legislator." Rep. Butler stated. "Being a Wildcat alumnus just made this project even more special and rewarding! This is the result of numerous meeting and perseverance by the Wilby Alumni Committee, Sen. Hartley, and Rep. Napoli. The entire Waterbury delegation worked as a team to deliver on this much needed project for Waterbury.”
“The new athletic field will serve as an anchor for the Wilby High School community to congregate and participate in friendly competition. The spirit of sportsmanship and team building will leave a valuable footprint on these fields for decades to come,” said Rep. Napoli.
“Bunker Hill is one of the most used parks in the City of Waterbury,” continued Rep. Napoli. “We know parks play a vital role in the social, economic, and physical well-being of our residents. This project will increase recreational opportunities, boost property values and spur our local economy. All of the families in the Bunker Hill community will enjoy the amenities this park has to offer for years to come.”
“I am proud to see over $3.4 million in grant funding allocated to Waterbury for these local projects,” said Rep. Reyes. “I strongly supported and advocated for all three bonding requests that have been approved, knowing they will bring necessary improvements to our community. Thank you to the Waterbury delegation for your continued commitment to our city.”
The City of Waterbury will receive over $3.4 million in state investment for three projects:
- $3 million for the installation of a synthetic football field with an 8-lane track around the field at Wilby High School
- $350,000 to purchase a prebuilt restroom facility for Schofield Park, sometimes referred to as Bunker Hill Park. The park’s amenities include a gazebo for community use and a soccer field
- $82,700 to replace three broken water fountains at East Mountain Park. The park contains several recreational facility areas including little league and softball fields and tennis courts
In addition, Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) was approved to receive $3 million in state investment to fund various Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvement projects on the college’s campuses.
Dr. Dresdner, CEO of NVCC is grateful for this funding that will enable the college to make campus-wide ADA improvements. “As the anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act approaches, the landmark legislation passed on July 26, 1990,” she notes, “we look forward to making strides towards improving accessibility for all our students, staff, and faculty. NVCC is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive educational environment to support our students as they pursue their goals.”
NVCC offers hundreds of academic programs including associate degrees and workforce education (non-credit proficiency certificates) at their Waterbury and Danbury campuses. Business management and computer information systems are among the top programs enrolled in by students.