House Republican Press Release

June 11, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. SCRIBNER: STATE OPEN SPACE TO BENEFIT BETHEL, STATE

State Rep. David Scribner (R-Brookfield, Bethel) today applauded the state purchase of 134 acres of land in Bethel adjacent to Huntington State Park. Rep. Scribner and State Sen. David Cappiello (R-24) met with the landowner and state officials earlier this year to help facilitate the purchase.

The state, which is purchasing the property for $4 million from owner Robert Schrijver, will preserve the property as open space. “It will be added to the state park,” said Rep. Scribner.

“I’m extremely pleased the state and Mr. Schrijver were able to reach a successful conclusion to the negotiations,” said Rep. Scribner. “This is a tremendous parcel of land that will now be preserved for future generations and really enhances the state park. It was clear from the outset that such a purchase would benefit both the people of Bethel and the state as a whole.”

The majority of the park is located in Redding and features sculptures of bears and wolves amid fields and dense woodlands.  The park grounds were donated to the state by the Huntington family.