February 27, 2009

REP. JOHNSON DECRIES CUTS IN KEY BOND ITEMS FOR WINDHAM

State Representative Susan Johnson voiced her concerns about bond items already approved for projects in her district that have been put on hold in Governor Rell's budget.

“At a time when we are struggling to stoke our economic activity, putting a hold on these projects mid-stream is very detrimental for Windham and the state,” Rep. Johnson said.

Among the items put on hold:

• $650,000 for restoration of historic properties along Main Street in Willimantic
• $450,000 to the town of Windham for a feasibility study of a whitewater park in Willimantic
• $1,000,000 for emergency room improvements and addition of a heliport at the Windham Community Memorial Hospital
• $814,500 for acquisition and improvements of a central office building in Willimantic for the Windham Regional Community Council, Inc.
• $500,000 for building additions and renovations for the Windham County 4-H Foundation.

The items had all been previously approved by the legislature, but removed from possible consideration by the State Bond Commission in the Governor's two-year budget proposal.

Rep. Johnson represents the 49th district in Windham and serves on the Education, Energy and Technology and Finance Revenue and Bonding Committees. Constituents who wish to communicate with Representative Johnson may call her office at the State Capitol at 1-800-842-8267 or contact her via e-mail at Susan.Johnson@cga.ct.gov.