Governor Rell Tells Commissioners to

Develop Lists of Salable Assets

.

Need to Raise Cash May Mean Sale of

Such Treasured Assets as Seaside Property

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has written all state commissioners and agency chiefs, instructing them to identify assets ranging from land and buildings to cars and equipment that could be sold to help address budget shortfalls.

            “Negotiations are continuing and I am committed to developing an affordable, reasonable budget for the next two fiscal years,” Governor Rell said. “This is normally no easy task, but the problem is clearly compounded during these economic troubling times. One proposal that legislative Democrats have continued to support is a requirement that my Administration raise approximately $112 million through the sale of ‘state assets.’

            “The Democrats have not specified which assets should be sold, but given the amount of money to be raised it is clear these unprecedented economic times will call for difficult decisions,” the Governor said. “We must consider parting with parcels we would never consider selling in the ordinary course of business – among them the Seaside property in Waterford. I will need each agency head to think creatively and constructively about assets that can be sold to reach this ambitious goal without dramatically hindering state operations.”

            Governor Rell stressed that all property should be considered. Agency heads were told to provide their recommendations to the Governor by July 27.

            “Once my office approves the potential sale, the disposition process must be conducted as expeditiously as possible but within the parameters established by statute,” Governor Rell said.