Lieutenant Governor M. Jodi Rell, Chair of the State Bond Commission, today approved more than $14 million to continue Connecticut’s acquisition of open space and to fund several other environmental projects in the state. The funding requested by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will support the state’s open space acquisition efforts, improve the structural integrity of state-owned dams, and assist municipalities with recreational and drinking water projects.

“The funding today continues the state’s commitment to acquire and preserve open space throughout Connecticut,” said DEP Commissioner Arthur J. Rocque, Jr. “In addition to building on the state’s open space holdings, these funds allow the Department to take steps to ensure the structural integrity of Northfield Pond Dam and address other dam safety concerns as they arise.”

Statewide - Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program - $11,500,000: This is an installment to the state’s Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program. These funds will be used to acquire land for additions to or establishments of State Parks, forests, wildlife management areas, aquatic access and other natural resource areas for the beneficial use and enjoyment of residents of Connecticut.

Litchfield - Northfield Pond Dam - $402,153: These funds will finance construction costs associated with the repair of Northfield Pond Dam, a state-owned structure located in Humaston Brook State Park in Licthfield. Humaston Brook State Park forms Northfield Pond, a 20-acre impoundment which provides significant recreational resource, including a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) maintained car-top boat launch on DEP property adjacent to the dam.

Statewide - Dam Safety Emergency Fund - $80,000: These funds will finance a Dam Safety Emergency Fund to provide consulting services on an as-needed basis. The services provided will include emergency inspection services during and after significant storm events. The services will also be used for underwater inspections of dam structures.

Montville - $2,058,000: These funds will finance a grant-in-aid to the Town of Montville for costs associated with a water main extension into the Palmertown area of Montville. Wells in the area have become contaminated with various petroleum hydrocarbons as a result of a leaking underground storage tank.

Groton - Copp Family Park Improvements - $65,000: At the October 25, 2002 meeting of the State Bond Commssion, funds were allocated to the Groton Parks Foundation for the design, permitting and construction of an entrance and parking area at Copp Family Park in Groton. This request is to change the recipient of the grant from the Groton Parks Foundation to the Town of Groton.