NORWALK – Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) announced today that the State Bond Commission is soon expected to approve $24.67 million in state aid for two major Norwalk projects: a $22 million renovation at CT State Norwalk, and a $2.5 million investment in the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium’s “An Aquarium Without Walls” strategic plan, which aims to deepen the community’s connection with Long Island Sound.
Both items are expected to be approved when the State Bond Commission meets this Friday, August 1, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
“Norwalk is growing by leaps and bounds, and state investments like this help drive that growth by making Norwalk a dynamic and attractive place to live and work,” Sen. Duff said.
“CT State Norwalk has come a long way since its first class of 60 freshmen meeting at Brien McMahon High School in the early 1960’s. Now it enrolls 4,400 students studying in four dozen different fields. But the B Wing – which is the largest classroom building on campus – has a lot of roof and structural issues, including water getting into the building,” Sen. Duff said. “This bonding will update the building and make it a safer and more enjoyable learning experience for students and staff.”
“CT State Norwalk is a key economic driver for Connecticut, training the next generation of nurses, STEM and business leaders, computer scientists, teachers, chefs and so much more. This state bonding invests in the heart of Norwalk’s campus – the B-Wing, which houses essential student services for more than 4,000 credit and workforce learners. Modernizing this facility will help ensure this campus remains accessible, competitive, and welcoming for all students, while reinforcing the college’s role as an engine of opportunity,” said Dr. O. John Maduko, CSCU Interim Chancellor. “I am grateful to Governor Lamont, Senator Duff, members of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, and the Office of Policy and Management for their continued investment in our colleges, universities, and students. As the state’s largest institution with an open enrollment mission, this investment in CT State Community College will allow us to continue our work in access, affordability, and academic excellence.”
“The Maritime Aquarium remains one of the most popular attractions in Connecticut, with half a million visitors every year. It’s just a few steps away from the Norwalk River, and two miles to Long Island Sound proper. Museum officials know how vital these connections to the ocean are, not only to Norwalk residents, but to us as inhabitants of a planet whose climate is changing and growing more vulnerable,” said Sen. Duff. “There needs to be a re-connection between people and the ocean, a deeper understanding and respect of how interdependent we are. The Aquarium Without Walls strategic plan will help ensure that, and I’m proud to bring state funding to help achieve that.”
“The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is deeply grateful for the State’s investment in the Aquarium and our future,” said Aquarium President & CEO Jason Patlis. “A recent independent study estimated that the Aquarium contributes $89 million annually to the state’s economy, and this bond funding will allow us to do even more for our community and the state. In particular, it will support innovative capital construction projects as part of our strategy to create An Aquarium without Walls, introducing Long Island Sound and the ocean to our visitors in unique and creative ways. It will also support capital improvements to reduce our carbon footprint. Thanks to Governor Lamont, Senator Bob Duff, the State Bond Commission and the Connecticut State General Assembly, we will be able to enhance the Aquarium experience for generations to come.”
The Aquarium Without Walls full strategic plan can be found here.
“This funding is a great victory for our community. CT State Norwalk is an excellent institution, and these funds will ensure that the quality of the facilities matches the quality of the education. The funding for the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium will allow the organization to move forward with their new strategic plan, which will, among other things, protect wildlife and natural habitats in the Long Island Sound. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for your continued investment into Norwalk,” said state Representative Dominique Johnson (D-Norwalk).
“CT State Norwalk and the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium are two cornerstones of our community. The former provides top notch education that is affordable and accessible, while the latter provides entertainment and education to individuals of all ages. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission – your support of Norwalk is greatly appreciated,” said state Representative Kadeem Roberts (D-Norwalk).
“The announcement of significant bonding for Norwalk is a testament to our commitment to enhancing educational and cultural opportunities for all residents,” said state Representative Travis Simms (D-Norwalk). “The funding for CT State Norwalk Community College will help ensure that our students have access to modern, efficient spaces that support their academic and career goals, while also addressing essential infrastructure needs. Additionally, the investment in the Maritime Aquarium’s ‘An Aquarium Without Walls’ strategic plan is an exciting step forward in strengthening our community’s educational and tourism assets. These investments will have a lasting impact on both current and future generations, improving quality of life in Norwalk and bolstering our local economy.”
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