September 19, 2024
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $311,000 IN REMEDIATION GRANT MONEY FOR COLCHESTER, EAST HADDAM PROPERTY REDEVELOPMENT
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s announcement that $311,000 of remediation grant funds would be released for two major projects in Colchester and East Haddam that will allow for new uses of existing land. The funds will support two separate projects that will lead to new opportunities for outdoor recreation and land preservation in the region.
“Taking polluted and unused land and converting it for new uses is a great use of state funds to support our communities and turn blight into beauty,” said Sen. Needleman. “I lent my support to the East Haddam Land Trust’s acquisition of the Honey Hill Farm in 2022 and have been greatly appreciative of efforts in Colchester to create the soon-to-come Norton Park. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont, DEEP and our state leaders for their continued support of our communities.”
“This funding is making a real difference in our communities, helping municipalities and nonprofits protect and improve existing community spaces, and in some cases, kickstart remediation and redevelopment,” Gov. Lamont said. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to make an impact, and I thank our federal partners in the Biden-Harris Administration, EPA, and our federal delegation for delivering this funding to our communities.”
The projects receiving these funds for remediation include:
Colchester will receive $250,000 to complete remediation work at the former Norton Paper Mill; the 2.5-acre site will be turned into Norton Park, a local outdoor passive recreation facility.
East Haddam will receive $61,000 to conduct remediation efforts at the former Honey Hill Farm property, a 123.5-acre property acquired by the East Haddam Land Trust in 2022. These efforts will allow for the project to access additional funding previously awarded for the purpose of purchasing and preserving open space in the state. |
