Governor Rell Calls Cucia Park in Middletown

‘Only Suitable Site’ for New Reserve Center

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today said she has directed the state’s Adjutant General to again contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and emphasize her strong opinion that Cucia Park in Middletown is the only suitable site for a new Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC). The Corps of Engineers is expected to announce its decision soon.

            Governor Rell’s instruction today to Air Force Major General Thad Martin follows his meeting with the Corps of Engineers on March 4 – also held at the Governor’s request – where General Martin told Army officials the Governor strongly supports the selection of Cucia Park.

            A new AFRC is needed because several existing facilities scattered around the state are to be closed under the 2005 recommendations of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission. The new center would serve reservists from all over Connecticut in one centralized location.

            “Of the sites the Defense Department is considering, Cucia Park is, by far, the most sensible,” Governor Rell said. “It has all the space the military needs, has the power, water and other utility connections nearby and is located in an area that is zoned for industrial use. It is also convenient to Interstate 91 and in an area that will not have a major impact on Middletown’s neighborhoods.

            “The citizen-soldiers who give of themselves to serve our state and our nation deserve the best we can provide,” the Governor said. “We must also be sensitive to the needs of the community, which is why I asked the Defense Department to restart its site search after the initial location they identified in Middletown drew serious public opposition. I am grateful to the Corps of Engineers for being willing to work closely with Middletown officials and General Martin to conduct a transparent, collaborative selection process.”

            Governor Rell intervened in the site selection process last August after the Army identified a property on Boardman Lane in Middletown as a possible location for the new AFRC. Residents and state officials expressed concerns about the 88-acre site, citing the historical, environmental and rural nature of the parcel.

            The Governor directed General Martin to have one of the Connecticut National Guard units slated to make use of the new facility, the 250^TH Engineering Co., remain at its current location. By doing so, the “footprint” of the new facility could be reduced, allowing other locations to be considered.