State Bond Commission to Approve Critical Funding for East Hartford & Manchester
Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D – East Hartford, Manchester) is urging the State Bond Commission to ensure that East Hartford is provided needed funding to support projects to renovate the town's schools, and that Manchester receives critically needed funding to support the preservation of the iconic Lombardo's Farm.
East Hartford High School, built in 1962, and East Harford Middle School, built in 1954, both contain gyms that are original to the buildings. Besides being "worn out" by age and use over the decades, the facilities no longer support the programmatic needs of each school. The State Bond Commission is expected to provide a $950,000 grant-in-aid to support locker room renovations at both schools. The funding would also support the restoration of the 3.2-acre East Hartford High School Softball Field, which has been experiencing significant flooding due to a lower elevation compared to surrounding fields.
"The gyms at East Hartford Middle and High School are behind the times – almost entirely the same as when I attended middle school in the late 90's and high school in the early 90's – and no longer conducive to the needs of our students. It's critical that we support investments that improve the academic and athletic experiences of our next generation," said Rojas. "A huge thanks to Governor Lamont, the State Bond Commission, and my fellow delegation members for the work they've done to ensure this funding remains a priority."
The Town of Manchester is expected to receive a $300,000 grant-in-aid to support the preservation of 102 acres of Lombardo's Farm. Cared for by the Manchester Land Conservation Trust and a passionate group of local volunteers, the open space provides residents with space for activities like hiking, biking, and skiing, in addition to gardens, wildlife, and plant habitats.
"Lombardo's Farm is a unique community asset providing residents with the large open space for activities like hiking, biking, and skiing. Especially over the last year where we were all felt so cooped up, Lombardo's provided the opportunity to get outside and enjoy beautiful community gardens, wildlife, and plant habitats right in our own backyard. The funding provided by the bond commission will enable the Manchester Land Conservation Trust to continue its preservation of the property so residents may fully enjoy the space for years to come," said Rojas. "I thank the Governor, the State Bond Commission, and my fellow delegation members for the hard work done to ensure that Lombardo's Farm remains a community treasure."
The State Bond Commission is expected to vote on East Hartford and Manchester's grants-in-aid along with other funding measures for communities across the state at its upcoming meeting on Friday, July 23.