Governor Rell Cuts Ribbon on New Camp Rell

Facility, Breaks Ground for Yet Another

Both Job-Creating Projects Largely Funded by Federal Government

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today celebrated both the ribbon-cutting of a new facility at Camp Rell – the Connecticut National Guard facility in Niantic – and the groundbreaking for yet another project at Camp Rell. Both projects are largely funded by the federal government.

            “I would be happy to cut the ribbon on any new state and federal project in Connecticut that helped create jobs – and even happier to break ground on a new state and federal project that will create still more jobs in this tenuous economy,” Governor Rell said during the dual ceremony at Camp Rell. “However, the events we are celebrating today are not just about the jobs – as much as I love jobs, jobs, jobs – and there is one simple reason why: The men and women who will be benefitting now and in the future from these critical projects.

            “Just last week we had an excellent demonstration of just how vital the National Guard is to the safety and well-being of our state,” the Governor said. “As a massive storm brought heavy rains, high winds and serious flooding to the state, I mobilized 150 members of the Guard. With their equipment, their skills and – make no mistake – their bravery and sacrifice, they fanned out to help in communities across Connecticut.”

            Governor Rell noted that troops from the Guard were key to preserving a water treatment facility in Jewett City that was threatened by rising waters. Had the facility flooded, residents and the environment would have been endangered.

            “It is a classic National Guard mission and it was performed with all the skill and dedication we have come to expect from the citizen-soldiers who serve our state,” Governor Rell said. “Whether they are at home or abroad, these are our finest ambassadors. Today we celebrate the fact that they have upgraded facilities – and soon will see even more upgrades.”

            The Governor helped cut the ribbon on the Niantic Readiness Center (NRC), a $19.1 million project ($16.8 million federal and $2.3 million state funding) built to provide the 192^nd Military Police Battalion and 85^th Troop Command with space for present and future training duties and modern office space for administrative functions.

            The NRC consists of a 50,000 square foot, two-story brick building. The facility includes classrooms, a library, a physical training room, locker rooms and showers, a drill shed, offices, a kitchen, equipment training bays and storage space.

            She also helped break ground for the Regional Training Institute (RTI), a $34.5 million project ($30.5 million federal and $4.0 million state funding) scheduled to be completed next year.

            The RTI will be a two-story, 83,000-square-foot brick and masonry building that will support classes of up to 288 students and 14 instructors. The building will include an auditorium, classrooms, administrative space, and kitchen, dining and billeting rooms.