Senate Leadership
July 11, 2006
Williams' Farmland Preservation Bill Brings Agriculture Viability Grants
Hard-fought legislation will bring money to Canterbury, Thompson, other municipalities, farms and non-profits across the state
State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) today said the new Community Investment Act (P.A. 228) that he spearheaded in the 2005 legislative session has produced the first grants for agricultural viability. Governor Rell signed the bill last year. A total of $842,000 will be released through the grants.
"We fought hard for this legislation and it is now starting to pay dividends. For the first time, we have a dependable, yearly funding stream that will improve a key component of our economy- agriculture." Sen. Williams said. "We have about 360,000 acres of farmland in Connecticut, but we're losing this land to development at a faster rate than any other state," Sen. Williams said.
Sen. Williams said the town of Thompson will receive more than $88,000 to conduct a Loss of Farmland fiscal impact study and Willingness to Pay survey as well as the Land Use Leadership Alliance for the development of agriculture communities through the promotion of innovative land use strategies.
The town of Canterbury will receive $30,000 to update the town's Plan of Conservation and Development.
Sen. Williams noted the new law addresses other crucial issues. "This legislation also provides funding for affordable housing and historic preservation. The lack of affordable housing in Connecticut is well-documented and the problem becomes worse every year," Sen. Williams said. "And for too long we've neglected our historic buildings and museums. Now we'll have more resources to preserve our history for future generations to enjoy."
The legislation began with a bipartisan task force Sen. Williams convened in the summer of 2004 that made recommendations. "The advocates for agriculture, affordable housing and historic preservation made a tremendous difference in helping to move this legislation forward, and communicating with the governor's office to help persuade her to sign this legislation," he said.
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