Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today hailed the news that Norwalk has been selected to receive a $2 million state grant to remediate the 2.2-acre Ryan Park in South Norwalk. The park, which has been closed since contamination was discovered that was not addressed when the park was built on former industrial land.
“South Norwalk has a long history of landfill practices and industrial uses that have left a residue of contaminants evidenced in soil and groundwater testing at this site,” said Senator Duff. “This funding will make the Ryan Park safe for our children’s health and serve as a wonderful addition to the Washington Village redevelopment.”
“Continued investment in the Washington Village area contiguous to Ryan Park is more than just encouraging; the state’s ability to address brownfield s in urban districts is paramount for economic development,” said State Rep. Bruce Morris (D-Norwalk). “I want to thank the Governor and DECD for this funding. We will continue to work to remediate brownfields in Norwalk supporting the overall continued growth in health in the city.”
Norwalk’s grant is part of $6.9 million of funding awarded to 14 towns and cities to assess, remediate, and revitalize brownfields across the state. The projects comprise 424 acres of redevelopment as part of ongoing, unprecedented efforts to restore and put blighted properties back into productive uses.
Under today’s round of announcements, $5.6 million is being awarded for the remediation and redevelopment of five properties, totaling 32 acres. An additional $1.3 million is being awarded for assessments that will be completed toward the future revitalization of eight properties, covering a total of 392 acres. All of the grants are awarded through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
