House Republican Press Release

June 13, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

IT’S OFFICIAL: MORE WATER COMING FOR POPULAR DURHAM FAIR

Governor Rell signs bill granting 10-year water deal that will save Durham residents $200,000

HARTFORD – Governor M. Jodi Rell signed into law Thursday a bill championed by state Rep. Raymond Kalinowski (R-Durham) and Sen. Ed Meyer (D-Guilford) that will provide The Durham Fair with the ability to withdraw up to 100,000 gallons of water per day every year for three days without the typically required water diversion permit and hydrogeological study.

The new act will save Durham residents approximately $200,000 for the cost of such a study and permit, and will allow the largest agricultural fair in Connecticut – and the largest fair in North America without a paid manager or staff – to meet all its water needs. Approximately 240,000 people attended The Durham Fair in 2007.

Special Act 08-7, “An Act Concerning Water Diversion for the Durham Fair,” allows The Durham Fair to withdraw the water resources it needs every September for the next 10 years to meet the needs of its patrons, events, animals and attractions. The Fair was under pressure from the state to apply for a water diversion permit – which requires a costly hydrogeological report and groundwater flow study – in order to access and use that water.

“I was pleased to work with Senator Meyer to obtain this exemption from the diversion permit requirement which will save Durham over $200,000 in their effort to continue to support a significant traditional regional event,” Rep. Kalinowski said.  “I want to thank Governor Rell for recognizing this, and signing this bill into law.”

“This is great news for The Durham Fair, which is a cultural institution in Connecticut and an economic engine for Durham,” Sen. Meyer said. “I’m pleased the governor saw fit to sign a bill that not only protects the environment and supports a worthwhile regional event, but which takes a very large financial burden off local property tax payers in a tough economy. That $200,000 equals about 5 percent of Durham’s annual town budget.”

Established in 1916, The Durham Fair is traditionally held the last full weekend of September. The Fair is owned and operated by the Durham Agricultural Fair Association, Inc., a private, not-for-profit organization.