GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR REPAIRS AND CONSTRUCTION AT HAMMONASSET STATE PARK
Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the State Bond Commission
has approved more than $9.9 million for repairs and construction at Hammonasset
State Park in Madison that will be used to construct a new bathhouse to
replace two buildings that were significantly damaged and subsequently
demolished following Tropical Storm Irene and to replace the Meigs Point
Nature Center.
“Hammonasset Beach State Park is Connecticut’s most popular
state park with approximately two million visitors enjoying this beautiful
destination every year,” Governor Malloy said. “Last year,
we had the opportunity to celebrate 100 years of the Connecticut State
Parks system, and as we move into the second century, it is important
that we continue to invest in their maintenance and construction. We need
to invest so we can enjoy our parks now and in the long term.”
“We are grateful to the continued support of Governor Malloy and
the legislature in providing the necessary funding to keep our state parks
and forests in excellent condition,” Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection Commissioner Robert Klee said. “We are also fortunate
to have an excellent and enthusiastic Friends of Hammonasset Group that
is invaluable in helping us maintain Hammonasset.”
State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. said, “The projects approved today
will help ensure that Hammonasset Beach State Park remains a place thousands
of families visit each year. Hammonasset draws visitors from around the
country and the world, and it is important that we continue to support
it. The Meigs Point Nature Center has enriched the educations of schoolchildren
throughout our state, and I look forward to seeing the work of Ranger
Russ and the Friends of Hammonasset continue in the new facility.”
Construction at Hammonasset will include the following:
- $7,515,790 for constructing a single building complex to replace two buildings that had to be demolished after suffering significant damage during Tropical Storm Irene. The complex will include a men’s and women’s toilet building, a new concession area, and Environmental Conservation Police/First Aid office, and a storage building for lifeguard equipment.
- $2,389,451 for replacing the old Meigs Point Nature Center with a new facility. The old facility has been deemed to small and impractical to meet expanded programs and public needs. The new Nature Center will be able to accommodate larger school groups and will also be more energy efficient.
The funding is being made available as part of the state’s ongoing
commitment to improving and maintaining Connecticut’s system of
109 state parks and 32 state forests. It is estimated by the Office of
Policy and Management that 208 jobs will be created or sustained through
these two projects.