House Republican Press Release

October 30, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. CAFERO SUCCESSFUL IN SECURING BOND MONEY FOR NUMEROUS NORWALK PROJECTS

AID FOR NORWALK HOSPITAL, DREDGING, TRANSPORTATION, CHILDREN PROGRAMS & AQUARIUM  ON TAP

HARTFORD – House Republican Leader state Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. announced today that a total of $10.1 million has been secured for numerous projects that will benefit his hometown of Norwalk following the approval of the state bonding package during a special legislative session today.

The final approval of the bonding had been delayed for months between Republicans and Democrats because of a dispute over the amount of borrowing gov. M. Jodi Rell would support. The governor, with the support Cafero and the Republicans vetoed the initial $3.2 billion proposal because it was too costly.

“We finally have a bonding program that makes more sense,’’ Cafero said. “While I remain concerned about the rising amount of state debt, we have approved considerable resources for much-needed school construction, transportation infrastructure and other projects that will benefit Norwalk and the state of Connecticut.’’

As a result of Republican opposition the legislature reduced borrowing by nearly $400 million to a total of $2.82 billion over two years.

Among the dozen items included in the bond bill directly affecting Norwalk are:

· At Norwalk Community College, roof repairs, not exceeding $450,000;

· Grant-in-aid to the city of Norwalk for improvements in the flood control system, not exceeding $3,005,000;

· Grant-in-aid to the city of Norwalk for the Maritime Aquarium to defray financial obligations incurred for construction of the Environmental Education Center, not exceeding $400,000;

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· Grant-in-aid to Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk for expansion of the facility, not exceeding $400,000;

· Grant-in-aid to the Norwalk Seaport Association for infrastructure renewal projects, not exceeding $500,000;

· Grant-in-aid to the Norwalk Transit District for renovations, upgrades, technology improvement, lighting and a new security system related to pulse point safety and security enhancements, not exceeding $153,000;

· Grants-in-aid for hospital-based emergency service facilities, up to $878,050  shall be made available to Norwalk Hospital;

· Grant-in-aid to the city of Norwalk for harbor dredging, not exceeding $1,000,000;

· Grant-in-aid to the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk for infrastructure renewal projects, not exceeding $1,000,000;

· For the Judicial Department,: acquisition of Norwalk courthouse, not exceeding $1,900,000 ;

· Grants-in-aid to municipalities and organizations that are exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, for cultural and entertainment-related economic development projects, $625,000 shall be made available to the town of Norwalk for the Norwalk Maritime Museum;

· Grant-in-aid to the Norwalk Transit District, for construction of a bus depot, not exceeding $250,000.