House Republican Press Release

October 6, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Gov. Rell, Rep. Ferrari: $400,000 Grant Okayed for Improvements to Granby’s Holcomb Farms Learning Center

The State Bond Commission has approved a $400,000 grant that will pay for the construction and rehabilitation of existing barns at the Holcomb Farm Learning Center, Governor M. Jodi Rell and state Representative Richard F. Ferrari, R- 62^nd District, announced today.

The funding, which comes from the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), was approved at today’s Bond Commission meeting.

“Everyone in town will benefit from renovations being undertaken on the historic Holcomb Farms property,” said Governor Rell.  “Once a working farm, this community learning center located in West Granby will give residents the opportunity to experience and learn more about the town’s agricultural roots and the contributions farming continues to make to the State of Connecticut and our economy.”

“Holcomb Farm is a significant community asset for the Town of Granby,” Representative Ferrari said. “The improvements this grant will make possible will allow the learning center to expand its programs and enable more residents to take advantage of the programs it offers. Governor Rell recognizes the value of education and the value of investing in our communities.”

The grant will be used to upgrade the arts barn, construct a pavilion and renovate a barn for classrooms, exhibit space and meeting areas.

A total of $20 million was authorized for more than 100 small towns under the STEAP program this fiscal year.