Julie Kushner

Senators Haskell, Kushner Cheer State Bond Commission Funding Approval for Bethel Business Park

State Senators Will Haskell (D-Westport) and Julie Kushner (D-Danbury), along with Bethel First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker, today cheered the State Bond Commission’s approval of funding to support critical infrastructure in Bethel. Specifically, the Bond Commission will provide funding for the Clarke Business Park expansion to support local job growth.

“Job growth and infrastructure improvements are closely intertwined, and this project delivers on both fronts,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’m grateful that Governor Lamont has agreed to fund the expansion of the Clarke Business Park, as I know this will pave the way for companies to thrive in Bethel. Thanks to the steadfast advocacy of local leaders like First Selectman Knickerbocker, this opportunity for growth will receive the public investment it deserves.”

“The expansion of the Clarke Business Park has been on hold for some time now because of the unexpectedly high cost of adding water and sewer lines there, but we can’t not develop a business park, because that’s jobs and tax revenue for Bethel,” said Sen. Kushner. “So the State of Connecticut has stepped in to help. This project will provide better infrastructure to better serve the people of Western Connecticut. It’s a wise decision and I thank the governor and Bond Commission for focusing on this important endeavor.”

“I want to thank Senators Haskell and Kushner for their dedication in pursuit of this funding, as well as Governor Lamont for his support,” said Bethel First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker. “This will help us finally realize a decades-long goal to bring more jobs to the Bethel community. Especially now, as we work to recover from the job losses caused by the pandemic, it has never been more urgent that we move forward with this project.”

Among the Bond Commission’s expected approvals in the agenda for its July 23 meeting is the release of $635,017 for Bethel to expand the Clarke Business Park to cover site construction costs for the development of 17 acres and four new commercial lots.

The Danbury News-Times reported that the expansion has been delayed for a few years due to funding issues. The funding released is expected to cover about half of the project’s cost.