Sen. Slap, Rep. Gibson Welcome $1M for Auerfarm

HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap and State Representative Bobby Gibson welcomed news that the State Bond Commission approved $1 million in grant funding for Auerfarm in Bloomfield today.

Auerfarm is a 120-acre non-profit educational farm located in Bloomfield and they offer summer camps and programming for children and adults. The funding will help pave Auer Farm Road, currently a dirt road. The current condition of the road is difficult for school buses to navigate and there is significant cost to repair the road after inclement weather.

“Auerfarm is an incredible asset to our community and beyond,” said Sen. Slap. “They offer a unique approach to learning the vital role agriculture and the environment plays in our food systems and I am grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving this funding that will support Auerfarm and their students for years to come.”

“During the last legislative session, I introduced a bill that provided additional funding for Farm to School programs,” said Rep. Gibson. “These programs provide students with hands on experience in the agricultural world, which ensures that our young people will grow into well rounded adults. Auerform has done tremendous work in this regard, and this funding will provide them with a much needed boost. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their consideration.”

“We are very excited to hear that Auerfarm will receive $1 million in state bonding to repair our road. Funding isn’t just about repairing a road; It’s an investment in access for all, ensuring that every student, family, and visitor can safely and easily reach our 120-acre outdoor classroom,” said Erica Fearn, Executive Director of Auerfarm. “This vital funding fuels our Learn, Explore, Connect initiative, allowing us to deepen our mission of inspiring lifelong learning through agriculture, science, and the environment. We are incredibly grateful for this support, which will help us continue to cultivate curiosity and foster a profound appreciation for the natural world in our community and beyond.”

The commission met Friday, August 1 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.