Bond money for Bristol

Press release from Sen. Tom Colapietro this morning:

SEN. COLAPIETRO APPLAUDS BOND AUTHORIZATIONS FOR BRISTOL COMMUNITY

Hartford - In a 21-to-12 vote at the Capitol last evening, the Senate approved a bond authorization package for the State of Connecticut including school construction funds, bridge repairs and transportation improvements, restoration of the Clean Water Fund, and funding for several capital improvement projects in the 31st District.

“This is a good balanced package for the state that recognizes some of Bristol’s needs while funding bridge repairs and school construction projects,” said Senator Colapietro.

The package, which authorizes the state’s bonding for the next two fiscal years, includes:

· A $200,000 grant for the Indian Rock Nature Preserve in Bristol,
· A $425,000 grant-in-aid to the Bristol Community Organization, Inc. to purchase a building for expansion of its Head Start program, and
· $19,118,861 for alterations and improvements to the buildings and grounds at Tunxis Community College.

“These are organizations and projects that provide great social and cultural service to our communities,” Senator Colapietro said.

Additionally, Senator Colapietro noted that $3,500,000 was authorized for road relocation, utility upgrades, new service facilities, and other improvements related to expanding the Lake Compounce Water Park in Southington.

“Although Lake Compounce isn’t wholly in my district,” Senator Colapietro added, “I pushed for the funding in for the park. I know that many of my constituents enjoy Lake Compounce, and I’m pleased that these funds are in the bond package.”

The package was later approved by the state House of Representatives in an 84-to-38 vote.

The total $3.15 billion package for Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009 must still be signed into law by Gov. M. Jodi Rell; individual bonding projects must then be placed by the governor on the State Bond Commission agenda for its consideration and approval before any work is undertaken.

“I urge the governor to sign this package for the benefit of the State of Connecticut and to put these items for Bristol and Plymouth on the Bond Commission agenda,” Senator Colapietro said.

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com