The State Bond Commission approved $1.5 million for long-sought renovations and upgrades to the athletic facilities used by Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven at its July meeting Friday, following a joint effort between the City of New Haven and its legislative delegation in the Connecticut General Assembly to secure the funding for the city’s largest high school.
Renovations and upgrades would be at the high school, Rice Field and Blake Field, affecting football, soccer, baseball, softball, track and field and lacrosse. State Representatives Al Paolillo (D-New Haven), Roland Lemar (D-East Haven, New Haven) and State Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) worked with city and school officials for years to help this bond funding come to fruition.
Rep. Paolillo said the approval of bond funds is “transformational.”
“It is not only an investment in the student-athletes at Wilbur Cross but a critical investment in the community,” said Rep. Paolillo. “This funding is the positive result of many years of hard work, planning and public meetings to develop the scope of the project and it was a team effort with Sen. Looney, Rep. Lemar, Alder Anna Festa, school families and administrators and the Giovanni Zinn, City Engineer for New Haven. We deeply appreciate Gov. Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission approving these funds.”
Rep. Lemar added, “This was an incredible joint effort between the City of New Haven and the state. Undoubtedly, the funding secured for renovations to Rice Field is an investment our student-athletes will appreciate and enjoy for years to come. Special thanks to Alder Festa, the Wilbur Cross students and administrators who fought for and deserved this investment, and my colleagues Sen. Looney and Rep. Paolillo, as we worked side-by-side to get this project funded.”
“This important investment will benefit not only the student-athletes at Wilbur Cross but the New Haven community as a whole,” said Sen. Looney. “Improving Rice Field and Blake Field would not have been possible without the critical input, support, and advocacy of the students, parents, staff at Wilbur Cross, and the City of New Haven. I also want to thank Rep. Paolillo and Rep. Lemar for working together to secure this funding and Gov. Lamont for approving this bonding request. I look forward to cheering on our baseball, soccer, football and lacrosse athletes at a new and improved Rice Field soon!”