State to Finance $2 Million in Maritime Aquarium Improvements

A total of $2 million is expected to be granted by the state to upgrade the Maritime Aquarium’s electrical, mechanical and fire safety systems, IMAX theater and to renovate fish tanks and exhibits, Norwalk’s legislative delegation and Gov. Dannel Malloy announced on Thursday.

The State Bonding Commission is expected to approve the funding on Tuesday, March 17, according to the legislators.

“This funding is absolutely critical to preserving the Maritime Aquarium as one of Connecticut’s premiere educational destinations,” said state Sen. Bob Duff, a Norwalk Democrat. “The aquarium contributes millions to our local and state economies and is a top tourist spot for the state. This is a smart investment that will maintain the aquarium as an economic driver in Norwalk for years to come.”

The funding announcement comes at a time when an unexpected state budget deficit resulted in the governor proposing millions of dollars in spending cuts, including $2 million less for the Department of Economic Development, which would spend less on promoting tourist sites in the state, according to a March 3 article on the Fox CT website.

“The Maritime Aquarium is a great example of one of our many cultural gems that bring in people from all over the region, attracting visitors from outside of our state and providing a great local destination for residents,” Malloy said. “The site has become one of the largest family attractions in the area, and these renovations will allow the Maritime Aquarium to continue serving as a first-rate tourist destination and educational institution.”

Mayor Harry Rilling thanked the delegation for helping one of Norwalk’s major institutions. “We can proudly boast of having one of the major maritime institutions in all of New England right here in Norwalk,” he said..

Photo courtesy of the Maritime Aquarium