New Funding for Local Projects Applauded by Needleman and Palm

DEEP RIVER, CT — State Senator Norman Needleman of Essex and State Representative Christine Palm of Chester applaud new funding for projects in Deep River and Haddam according to a recent press release sent out by Press Aide Rick Funaro, from the Connecticut House Democrats. The press release reads:

State Representative Christine Palm (D- 36th) and State Senator Norm Needleman (D-33rd) announce the inclusion of state funding for renovation projects in the towns of Deep River and Haddam. The value of the bonded money for both projects totals $807,000.

The funds, which received approval from the State Bond Commission on Friday, will be used to make final repairs to the Deep River Elementary School roof and make comprehensive interior renovations to the Brainerd Memorial Library in Haddam.

“The State’s investment in capital improvements to significant and beloved buildings in our towns comes as great news, especially as we recover from the pandemic,” Rep. Palm said. “There is almost nothing more satisfying than being able to help advance projects that will benefit our students and teachers, as well as our seniors, and all who use libraries as the town center for cultural, recreational, social service and job search resources.”

The Deep River Elementary School roof completion project is made possible by a grant of $132,000 through the Department of Administrative Services. The funds for renovation of the interior of Brainerd Memorial Library consist of $675,000 through the State Library’s Grant-In-Aid to Public Libraries for Construction, Renovations, Expansions, Energy Conservation and Handicapped Accessibility.

“This is a great example of what State and Municipal leadership can do when we work together,” said Sen. Needleman. “The commission’s approval of these bonds will allow our towns to offset taxpayer costs to make much-needed repairs and renovations to both properties, which provide vital services to our children and their families.”

Rep. Palm and Sen. Needleman expressed thanks to Gov. Ned Lamont; the State Bond Commission; Rep. Dorinda Borer, House Chair of the General Bonding Subcommittee of Finance, Revenue and Bonding; Deep River First Selectman Angus McDonald; and Haddam First Selectman Bob McGarry.

Rep. Palm added that in the case of Brainerd Memorial, which will use the State funds to offset the total $1.35 million project to fund a new Circulation Area, fire suppression system, several meeting rooms, greater stack access and a new cafe, “tremendous credit is due to Brainerd Memorial Library Director Tom Piezzo, Building and Grounds Committee Chair Lorraine Riess, and especially Board of Trustees Chair Marijean Conrad, who ably continued the foundational work begun by her late husband Carl.”

According to First Selectman McDonald, “We are grateful to Rep. Palm and Sen. Needleman for their advocacy on this project, because its completion will make it possible for us to continue to upgrade the school’s energy efficiency and add to the Town’s renewable energy efforts on a building that was constructed in 1914.”

For additional information on the State Bond Commission’s agenda, click HERE.