Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state is partnering with two regional organizations in an effort to obtain $1 million in brownfield assessment funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 

The state, together with the Windham Region and Northeastern Connecticut councils of governments, have teamed up to create the Eastern Connecticut Brownfield Coalition, or ECBC.  The two regional organizations represents a total of 21 rural eastern Connecticut towns.

 

"Eastern Connecticut towns are filled with remnants of their industrial past but are also a key part of the state's natural character,"  Governor Rell said.  "A regional approach to cleaning up these former factories and mills can help cash-strapped communities get these sites back to productive use and contributing to the local economies.  This effort should expedite the process, keeping and creating jobs and new opportunity while helping us preserve our most cherished green spaces."

 

"The EPA has been a strategic and vital partner on brownfield initiatives in Connecticut," the Governor said.  "State and municipal partnerships are also great ways to further the state's responsible growth agenda, create new possibilities for entrepreneurs and revitalize municipal tax bases.  It's a win-win for everyone involved."

 

Many of the members of the ECBC share common resources: the Quinebaug and Willimantic rivers and their numerous tributaries.  The coalition, which is committed to the principles of responsible growth, has already identified former mill sites in the area that are a priority for assessment.  These projects would help the communities realize their economic opportunities and improve their vitality, while protecting open space and reducing sprawl.

 

"The Department of Economic and Community Development has forged strong relationships with many of the member towns of the Eastern Connecticut Brownfield Coalition before on development projects," said DECD Commissioner Joan McDonald.  "Projects like the Willimantic Whitewater Park and the Plainfield Village Center will have positive economic and community impacts.  I'm certain this new partnership will continue the progress we have made in the past and deliver more benefits in the future."

 

The member towns are Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, Eastford, Hampton, Killingly, Lebanon, Mansfield, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Scotland, Sterling, Thompson, Union, Willington, Windham and Woodstock.