House Republican Press Release

May 8, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

FIVE MILE RIVER STUDY APPROVED BY LEGISLATURE

HARTFORD – On the last day of a chaotic legislative session House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., helped squire through a bill to study ways to combat the chronic flooding of the Five Mile River that has plagued many homeowners in the watershed.

Cafero said he will continue to work with the administration of Gov. M. Jodi Rell to secure enough funding through the Department of Environmental Protection for the comprehensive study. Initially $200,000 was sought for the project but as the state’s surplus declined to a current deficit, available funds for numerous programs became scarce.

“Passage of this legislation is a major step forward in coming up with a comprehensive plan to address the flooding of the Five Mile River that has only grown worse over time. This was a collaborative effort involving many lawmakers, local officials and residents and the DEP,’’ Cafero said. He also credited Rep. John Ryan of Darien for assisting in the efforts.

The bill passed the Senate with one minute remaining in the regular session at 11:59 p.m.

The study is to be conducted and funded with available funds that Cafero said can be identified in various budget accounts. He said he will work with the Governor’s budget office to fully fund the program.

“I’m very pleased that Larry Cafero and I were able to work together key members of our Environment Committee to get this important provision into the larger bill in the Senate and get it passed in the House on the last day of the session,’’ Ryan said