House Republican Press Release

September 26, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Governor Rell Announces ‘STEAP’ Funding For Historic Farm Building Restoration in Wilton

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that $250,000 in new state funding will soon be available to pay for the reconstruction of two buildings on the historic Ambler Farm in Wilton.  The funding comes from the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) that is to be approved at the next meeting of the State Bond Commission.

“Connecticut is dotted by hundreds of historic farm buildings – a legacy of our state’s more agrarian past – and this beautiful old farm is well worth the state’s investment in the reconstruction of these two buildings,” Governor Rell said. “Ambler Farm is one of the last remaining examples of Wilton’s agricultural heritage and today serves as a focal point for many community cultural and recreational activities. This funding recognizes that heritage and represents an investment in the quality of life in the local community.”

Governor Rell lauded state Senator Judith Freedman and Representatives Toni Boucher and John Hetherington – all of whom represent Wilton in the General Assembly – for their leadership on this project.

“Ambler Farm is a unique, 22-acre resource in Wilton, serving children and adults throughout the year,” Senator Freedman said. “It is also proof of the wisdom of our open-space preservation programs and I thank Governor Rell for her commitment to this project.”

Representative Boucher said Ambler Farm’s barns, house and other buildings “have stood watch for more than two centuries and deserve our protection and restoration for another generation to enjoy. I commend the Governor for helping keep this project on track.  This is a regional asset that will not only attract visitors from throughout Connecticut but also educate current and future generations about our rich agricultural history through a real world experience that they could not access any other way.”

“In an era when Connecticut is so rapidly losing farmland, the preservation of Ambler Farm represents an especially important investment,” said Representative Hetherington, noting that this is Wilton’s oldest continuously operating farm.

A total of $20 million has been authorized for more than 100 small towns under the STEAP program this fiscal year.  The Bond Commission will meet Friday, October 6, at 10:30 a.m. in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.