September 16, 2008

STATE LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR WATERBURY PAL

State Rep. Larry B. Butler (D-Waterbury) and Speaker of the House Jim Amann announced today at the Hills Golf Course a $20,000 state grant to the Cal Ripken Baseball League to strengthen the Police Athletic League (PAL) program and allow them to build a stronger relationship with police and the community.

"The PAL program is another seed of new positive development in the 72nd district," Rep. Butler said. "Once the new north-end school is built a great part of this neighborhood will be revitalized."

Earlier this summer, Speaker Amann took a tour of the newly renovated buildings by PAL with Chief of Police Neil O'Leary. These changes will now afford area residents both athletics and tutoring for inner city students.

"You can't find a better partnership than PAL and baseball as an inspiration for kids," Speaker Amann said. "Rep. Butler approached me about making this investment and there is no doubt this is a win-win for kids in Waterbury."

A few years ago, there were only 80 youth participating in the program. Since the renovations, now more than two thousand youth participate in various sports and after-school tutoring.

The Cal Ripken Foundation will match the state grant amount which will afford an additional 700 youth to participate for four years.