Eileen M. Daily

Daily, Representative Crawford Announce Funding for Westbrook /Clinton Animal Shelter

State Senator Eileen M. Daily (D- Westbrook) and Representative James M. Crawford (D-Westbrook) expect the State Bond Commission, when it meets Friday, to approve funding for construction of a new animal shelter to be used jointly by the towns of Westbrook and Clinton.

“The unpredictable demands of an animal control operation require adequate facilities to humanely feed, shelter, exercise, and treat any variety of species, and house its administrative office as well,” Senator Daily said. “This grant, to be administered by the state Department of Economic and Community Development, will help the towns of Clinton and Westbrook underwrite the cost of a new shelter so their joint animal control operation can better serve the residents of those towns.”

Once approved, the Department of Economic and Community Development will distribute a $100,000 grant to the Town of Westbrook to finance construction of a regional animal shelter, to be shared with the Town of Clinton, at the former Highway Garage in Westbrook.

“This project is a joint venture between Westbrook and Clinton that will save both towns money. It is far cheaper to split the operating costs than for each town to operate their own facility,” Rep. Crawford said.  “It is an innovative, cooperative approach to sharing services that is both cost effective to both towns and critical to properly care for our animal population.”

“I believe this a great example of two communities “voluntarily” working together in order to create a more efficient and cost effective operation,” said Clinton First Selectman Willie Fritz. “I commend State Representative Crawford and First Selectman Bishop for their willingness to join myself at the table and develop a proposal which shows our commitment to streamlining Government for the better of our residents.”

The State Bond Commission will discuss the item at its July 29 meeting at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.