EAST HARTFORD DELEGATION WELCOMES $20 MILLION IN BONDING FOR LOCAL BUIDLING PROJECTS

Today, the East Hartford delegation of legislators including State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford, Manchester), State Representative Jeff Currey (D-East Hartford, Manchester) and State Representative Henry Genga (D-East Hartford) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of $20 million in total funding to support local building projects.

The funds will include $15 million for the creation of a new Manufacturing Technology and Innovation Center for East Hartford’s Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, $4.5 million for abatement and demolition of the former McCartin Elementary School in East Hartford and associated infrastructure improvements to allow for construction of new housing and $500,000 for capital improvements to the East Hartford Veteran’s Memorial Clubhouse.

“The continued development and repurposing of properties in East Hartford are underscoring the community’s continued push for improvement,” said Sen. Anwar. “The new CCAT innovation center, new housing at the McCartin Elementary site and improvements at Veterans Memorial Clubhouse all represent significant new resources for our community’s continued success. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for supporting East Hartford.”

“From creating new opportunities in advanced technology manufacturing, increasing housing opportunities, and investing in our veterans, this round of funding will go a long way to further a number of priorities in East Hartford,” Rep. Rojas said.  “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for including these important items on the agenda.”

“I appreciate the State Bond Commission’s recognition of the opportunities, services, and resources these supportive investments will make in East Hartford,” said Rep. Currey. “Economic development and housing are paramount to continued community success.”

“I’d like to thank the bond commission for funding projects that will expedite East Hartford’s growth and development. The creation of a new manufacturing technology and innovation center will ensure we meet the demands of the future. The demolition of the former elementary school will lead to more housing options for our community, and the funding for veteran’s memorial clubhouse will turn the facility into a first-class establishment. I am also thrilled that the North Central CT EMS Council will receive funding to establish a top notch fast responding emergency communication system that will help save lives,” said Rep. Genga.

According to the Bond Commission agenda for the June 7 meeting, the state plans to commit $15 million for the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology’s new Manufacturing Technology and Innovation Center in East Hartford, which will house the CCAT’s headquarters and existing programs as well as provide additional capacity for expansion of applied research and development capabilities. The project will also utilize $32 million in federal funds and $10 million in private funds.

The Commission will also provide $4.5 million for the abatement and demolition of the former McCartin Elementary School, with the funding also supporting development of utilities, sidewalks and roadways in the area to allow for construction of new housing units after the site is demolished.

Another $500,000 will support capital improvements for the Veterans Memorial Clubhouse, supporting the $7.7 million project in total.