Governor Rell: State Seeks Stimulus Funding

for Coastal Restoration, Marine Improvements

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that Connecticut has applied for $12.6 million in federal stimulus grants to help fund four projects that will restore fragile marine and costal habitats, protect aquatic species and improve recreational fishing opportunities across the state.

            The projects are:

·        Removal of the Springborn Dam on the Scantic River in Enfield

·        Construction of a fish passage at the Tingue Dam on the Naugatuck River in Seymour

·        Construction of a fish passage at the Rainbow Dam on the Farmington River in Windsor

·        Restoration of tidal wetlands along the lower Connecticut River in the towns of Chester, East Haddam, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook

            “These four projects will create jobs for engineers, construction workers and others while allowing us to preserve, protect and improve our environment and natural resources,” Governor Rell said. “Our goal with every stimulus project is to create jobs and make lasting improvements to our state, and that makes these four proposals ideal candidates for stimulus funding.

            “Connecticut’s rivers, wetlands and coastline are some of the state’s most scenic locations and in recent years much effort has gone into restoring and preserving their natural beauty,” the Governor said. “These projects offer the exciting prospect of restoring native fish populations to upstream areas of three of our state’s rivers. We would also use the funds to restore sensitive tidal wetlands along the lower portion of the Connecticut River where it empties into the Long Island Sound, which has been designated an area of international ecological significance.”

            The state’s applications, developed by the Department of Environmental Protection, have been submitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA expects to make up to $170 million in competitive grants available for coastal and marine habitat restoration projects through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.