Kerry Wood

I applaud bond funds approved by the State Bond Commission during its special meeting on Thursday, which total millions for infrastructure improvement projects in Wethersfield and Rocky Hill.

Wethersfield will receive $4 million for improvements to street lighting, public parking and infrastructure throughout the town, and library renovations.

Specific projects include:

• Reconstructing approximately 3,800 linear feet of Main Street
• Expansion of existing public parking lots near the center of Old Wethersfield's Historic District
• Library renovations that will repurpose three areas within the library, including an expanded teen area, a new front room, and part of the mezzanine level, as well as new flooring for most of the lower level

It's been such a pleasure to work with my legislative colleagues representing Wethersfield as well as town officials and staff, our team has made great strides when lobbying the state for much-needed bonding dollars for the town."

Rocky Hill was awarded $500,000 to update the Old Forge Road Bridge. Town officials identified the bridge as a much-needed part of expanding the existing industrial park. In addition, it would open another 60 acres for future development, which would otherwise be impossible for truck access. In recent years, the town has attracted businesses to this area that has added hundreds of jobs.

I'm thrilled that the Bond Commission approved another $500,000 to the Town of Rocky Hill for infrastructure improvements to a future development site off Dividend Road. I have consistently identified projects that result in a return on investment — from Elm Ridge Park improvements to the former Ames Headquarters redevelopment. We are making progress on moving projects forward that will directly impact Rocky Hill's mill rate and lower property taxes for everyone.