July 30, 2008

EAST HARTFORD TO RECEIVE $4.6 MILLION
IN STATE BONDING FOR LOCAL PROJECTS

State Representatives Michael Christ (D-East Hartford), Christopher Stone (D-East Hartford), and Henry Genga (D-East Hartford) announced today that over $4.6 million in state bond funding for two local projects in East Hartford is expected to be approved at the next State Bond Commission meeting on Monday, August 4.

A total of $4 million is on the meeting's agenda to go towards repairing and refurbishing the East Hartford levee. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) discovered deficiencies when it inspected the East Hartford levee in the fall of 2006. The levee must be repaired and refurbished in order to protect the town from potential flooding by the Connecticut River.

"This funding is a significant step toward ensuring that residents and property are properly protected in the event of a flood," Christ said. "I am pleased that the state recognized the importance of bolstering these safety measures and has partnered with the town to make these much-needed upgrades possible."

In addition to this project, $620,000 is expected to be approved for the development of the International Baccalaureate Early Childhood Magnet School in East Hartford. That funding will be used for the design and construction of school space and equipment in order to meet the goals of the 2008 stipulation and order in the Sheff v. O'Neill case.

"These funds will provide students and parents in Greater Hartford with additional choices for specialized high quality programs to help raise achievement levels," Christ said.

The Bond Commission will meet on Monday, August 4 at 10:30 AM in Hearing Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Representative Michael Christ is serving his seventh term and represents the 11th Assembly District in East Hartford and South Windsor. He serves as Deputy Majority Leader and is a member of the Finance, Public Health and Legislative Management Committees.