October 20, 2011
REP. GENGA ANNOUNCES $4 MILLION
STATE GRANT FOR RAYMOND LIBRARY PROJECT
State Representative Henry Genga (D-East Hartford) announced Thursday that East Hartford is set to receive a $4 million state grant to help complete the $6.1 million Raymond Library expansion project.
Genga said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s recommendation for the funding of the East Hartford project is on the State Bond Commission’s agenda and is expected to be approved when the commission meets Friday, Oct. 28.
“This funding will not only improve a valuable human resource for the residents of East Hartford, but also create jobs,” Genga said. About 400 construction jobs would be needed for the expansion and four part-time assistant librarians would be permanently hired.
“This grant is an important step in allowing the expansion to move forward,” Malloy said. “The project will result in a re-shaping of the Raymond Library, allowing East Hartford residents to continue utilizing the important services it provides.”
Mayor Marcia Leclerc, noting that the expansion has been on hold for numerous years, said, “I am so happy we are finally going to get the funding we need for this project,” Leclerc said. “Earlier this year, I thought the money might be available, so I approached Henry to take the lead and help us. Because of his work, the library has a new future.”
Genga praised Malloy, House Speaker Chris Donovan, Reps. Timothy Larson (D-East Hartford and Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford, Manchester, Glastonbury) as well as Senate President Pro Tempore Don Williams and Sen. Gary LeBeau (D-East Hartford) for supporting the bonding request.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate their support,” he said.
“When Mayor Leclerc told us the town needed this funding, I knew the support of our delegation in the General Assembly would be critical,” Genga said. “Obtaining this grant demonstrates the commitment our delegation has made to the people of East Hartford.”
Leclerc said the expansion project is shovel-ready and will move forward as soon as the financing is approved.
“The expansion is critical to the quality of life in East Hartford residents,” Leclerc said.
“The State Library Space Planning Guide indicates that for a community our size, the library should provide about 50,000 square feet. The current usable space of the building is 21,695 square feet. Many of the recommendations of the 1997 Library Improvement Plan have been implemented, but additional space is critically needed to improve services and expand benefits for our community,” Leclerc said.
The library addition in the expansion project would add 11,646 square feet to the site and bring total usable square footage to 33,341.
“This project will dramatically improve the quality of life for East Hartford, and I’m very happy we’ve been able to make it happen,” Genga said.