House Republican Press Release

February 29, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Hamzy: Bond Commission Okays $16,773 Grant for Terryville Public Library Improvements

Will Help Pay for Upgrades to Correct Fire Code Violations

The State Bond Commission has approved a $16,773 grant for the Terryville Public Library that will help pay for several upgrades to correct fire code violations identified by the fire marshal, state Representative William A. Hamzy announced today.

The Bond Commission approved the grant at its regular monthly meeting Friday, Feb. 29, 2008 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

“The improvements this grant will help fund will provide greater protection to both library patrons and staff,” said Representative Hamzy, R-78^th District. “The violations identified by the fire marshal have to be rectified to bring the library into compliance with the fire code. I’d like to thank Governor Rell and the Bond Commission for supporting this grant. Although it will not pay for the full $50,319 cost of the upgrades, it will make the town’s share of the expenses more affordable to Plymouth taxpayers.”

The fire code violations the renovations and upgrades will correct include:

• Lack of a firm walkway from the library’s northwest fire exit to the parking lot and insufficient outside lighting. Inside lighting in the exit area was found to be deficient as well.
• Two openings between the old and new sections of the library have drop-down fire shutters that the library cannot test in accordance with procedures set forth in the fire code.
• The handrail along the stairway between the library’s upper and lower levels is flat. The code requires a round handrail to ensure a firm grip.
• Several fire doors in the building do not have automatic releases that are triggered when the fire alarm sounds.