House Republican Press Release

June 29, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Reps Hamzy, Burns: Bond Commission Approves $10.7 million for Route 72 Extension Project

Long-awaited Project Could Get Underway This Summer

The State Bond Commission has approved funding in the amount of $10.7 million for the Route 72 extension project in Bristol and Plainville, state Representatives William A. Hamzy and Ron Burns announced today.

The bond commission approved the funding at its regular meeting today (June 29, 2007), the legislators said.

“The bond commission’s approval of this funding clears the way for this long-awaited project to finally get underway, perhaps as early as this summer,” said Representative Hamzy, R-78^th District. “It will help ease rush-hour bottlenecks in Forestville and provide easy access to I-84 from the industrial and business parks along Route 229. The Route 72 extension project will be a real shot in the arm for the city’s economy. It will lead to business growth and expansion and help create more jobs in the Greater Bristol area. I’d like to thank Governor Rell for her steadfast support for this critical project.” 

“It’s been a long time coming but better late than never,” said state Representative Ron Burns, R-77^th District. “It will be much appreciated by commuters and local business people, who well benefit from the easier access it will provide to and from Interstate 84.”