Governor Rell Vetoes Land Conveyance Bill

Cites Concerns Over State

Losing Potential to Sell Assets

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has vetoed a bill that would have conveyed several parcels of state land to municipal or private owners, citing concerns that in this economic downturn the state would be giving away its ability generate revenue from the sale of some of the land.

            The Governor said that while such bills are fairly typical and usually contain arrangements beneficial to all parties, this year “the fiscal landscape has greatly changed.”

            “On behalf of Connecticut taxpayers we must maximize the utility of each valuable asset which the state owns,” Governor Rell said. “Indeed, the Democratic budget calls for the state to raise more than $112 million in Fiscal Year 2010 from the sale of state assets. In light of this requirement, I believe we must examine each of the parcels conveyed in this bill to determine if we can profitably sell any or all of them.”

            The Governor said some of the arrangements in the bill included land swaps, sales for less than fair market value of property and leases for $1 a year.

            “It will be difficult enough to raise $112 million from the sale of state assets; to attempt to do so while at the same time giving away potentially valuable parcels of state land would be irresponsible,” Governor Rell said.

            The legislation is House Bill 6695, An Act Concerning the Conveyance of Certain Parcels of State Land.

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