February 29, 2008

EAST HARTFORD LEGISLATORS ANNOUNCE OVER $2 MILLION
IN FUNDING FOR GOODWIN COLLEGE EXPANSION

State Representatives Michael A. Christ (D-East Hartford), Christopher Stone (D-East Hartford), and Henry Genga (D-East Hartford) announced today that the State Bond Commission has approved a grant-in-aid of $2,250,000 for Goodwin College in East Hartford.

The funding will be used to assist in financing the construction of a new building for East Hartford's Goodwin College River Campus. The College provides programs that meet critical economic and workforce development needs and provide an avenue for many non-traditional students to achieve their career goals. The new construction will help the college transition from a two year school to a four-year degree-granting institution.

"We have worked hard at negotiating and convincing our colleagues at the State Capitol to approve this funding, and I am proud that those efforts were successful," Rep. Christ said. "Approval of this funding is a victory for the Town of East Hartford. Goodwin's campus expansion will transform the riverfront, attract more visitors, create jobs, transform our economy, and bring new possibilities our town."

He continued, "I will continue to voice my support for Goodwin College at the State Capitol."

Rep. Genga stated, "While this funding will help many who need affordable educational opportunities to increase their employability, it is a sound investment for the Greater Hartford region. Continued efforts will still be necessary to expand this educational institution to meet future needs and I will advocate for that."

Rep. Stone said, "I am very pleased to have been able to work Rep. Christ and my colleagues to secure this funding. It is important to invest in education and these funds will continue to make Goodwin College and the surrounding area more attractive."