March 20, 2008

SENATOR PRAGUE, REP. RYAN ANNOUNCE EXPECTED PASSAGE
OF $250,000 IN BOND MONEY FOR FRANKLIN 4H CAMP

This afternoon State Rep. Kevin Ryan and Sen. Edith Prague (D-Columbia) announced that $250,000 in state bond money is set to be voted on next Friday by the State Bond Commission.

"The Norwich-area chapter of 4-H USA is already actively engaged in our community, developing in its members the 4-H building blocks of leadership proficiency, good citizenship through public service, and life skills through hand-on experience," Senator Prague said. "Now with these state funds, necessary repairs and reconstruction of the 4-H camp in Franklin can go forward and bring added vitality to this dedicated group."

According to Sen. Prague and Rep. Ryan, New London County's 4-H camp in Franklin provides campers with an outdoor group living experience on its scenic 24-acre site, to help them grow toward self development, environmental awareness and a concern for health and safety. The lawmakers said the camp was founded more than 60 years ago; this state funding is needed to upgrade the site's plumbing infrastructure and replace kitchen and bathroom facilities.

"The 4-H Camp in Franklin is a vital part of the southeastern Ct providing young people with a fun and educational summer experience helping them to develop into enterprising adults," Rep. Ryan said. "This money will help to provide then with a safe environment in which to learn, play and undergo this transformation."

The bonding money will be released upon approval of the State Bonding Commission, which is chaired by Governor M. Jodi Rell.