House Republican Press Release

June 27, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. DelGobbo: Naugatuck to receive $125,000 Grant for Longmeadow Brook Improvements

Naugatuck will receive a $125,000 state grant for improvements to Longmeadow Brook pending final approval by the State Bond Commission at its meeting Friday, state Rep. Kevin M. DelGobbo, R-Naugatuck, announced today.

The grant will be utilized to replace the existing retaining wall, clear overgrowth, make general repairs and provide an esthetically pleasing environment adjacent to the brook. The improvements will take place at the intersection of Route 63 and Rubber Avenue, DelGobbo said.

DelGobbo noted that the project complements both the Portuguese Club renovations taking place on the adjacent property, and the Renaissance Place project vision for improvements to the downtown corridor.

“This project will provide a vastly improved brook-side view and access which will complement the renovations to the Portuguese Club next door.” DelGobbo said. The location is a key access point into the downtown area, and is a particular focal point for the annual Sao Paio festival.

DelGobbo has been working with the Portuguese Club’s building committee as well as the Connecticut Department of Transportation, and the Department of Environmental Protection for the past year to evaluate and plan the improvements.

DelGobbo noted that the effort is a component of the overall Renaissance project that calls for various improvements at all the gateway areas of downtown. “This is another building block in making the project happen and be successful,” DelGobbo said.

He noted that other preliminary components include improvements to the Route 63 Bridge adjacent to Breen Field, and the Naugatuck Riverwalk project, both of which are slated to begin in the near future.

“I am extremely grateful to Governor Rell for her support for this project and for the long term vision for Naugatuck,” DelGobbo said. He also lauded the assistance of state Representative David K. Labriola, R-131^st District, state Senator Joseph J. Crisco Jr., D-17^th District, and state Senator Joan V. Hartley, D-15^th District, in moving the proposal forward.