House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

October 6, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Gov. Rell, Rep. Hovey: $450,000 STEAP Grant Approved to Help Fund Replacement of Wolfe Park Pool

 

The State Bond Commission has approved funding in the amount of $450,000 to help Monroe finance the replacement of the deteriorating pool at William E. Wolfe Park, Governor M. Jodi Rell and state Representative DebraLee Hovey, R-112th District, announced today.

The funding, which comes from the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), was approved at today’s (October 6, 2006) Bond Commission meeting.

“Enhancing the recreational activities in our communities is imperative if we want to continue providing facilities and programs that keep a town active and vibrant,” said Governor Rell. “For nearly 30 years the Wolfe Park wading pool has served the residents of Monroe, as well as surrounding communities. A replacement and expansion of this popular pool area is needed to serve the growing number of people in this town - from young families to senior citizens.”

“As Monroe continues to grow, the needs of our community are increasing as well,” Representative Hovey said. “The existing pool has deteriorated and a significant investment will be needed if it is to serve our town as well as it has in the past and meet the steadily rising demand for summer recreational opportunities. This grant, which will help finance this important project, will save taxpayer dollars and provide a state of the art pool for the enjoyment of Monroe’s young families for years to come. I’d like to thank Governor Rell for supporting our project. It demonstrates once again her commitment to improving the quality of life in small towns throughout Connecticut.”

 The pool facility, built in the early 1970’s, is open to the approximately 20,000 Monroe residents as well as individuals and families in the Fairfield County and Housatonic Valley regions. An architectural assessment of the pool recommended the current pool be replaced since repairs would not provide a long-term solution.

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