Dodd, Lieberman Secure Connecticut Funding in Interior Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, DC - Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) today announced that they helped secure $56,505,278 for environmental and conservation efforts throughout Connecticut as part of the Interior Appropriations bill approved by the Senate.

"In addition to providing key funding for clean water projects, this bill will provide funding to protect Simsbury's Tulmeadow Farm, one of the state's great treasures," said Dodd. "These resources represent an important investment in Connecticut's environment and will allow us to continue to enjoy parks, forests, rivers and lakes across the state."

"Protecting safety of our water and the natural beauty of our state for future generations should be a top priority," Lieberman said. "I am pleased that Senator Dodd and I were able to fund such worthy projects to protect and improve the environment and quality of life for all of Connecticut's residents."

Below is a breakdown of the funds from which Connecticut stands to benefit:

• $7,000,000 for Long Island Sound Restoration and Rehabilitation Efforts

• $4,000,000 for the Highlands Conservation Act, which will help conservation efforts in western Connecticut

• $2,000,000 for the Stewart McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, including preservation of Long Beach in Stratford

• $2,500,000 for the Silvio Conte National Wildlife Refuge, including preservation along Pine Brook in Hamden

• $500,000 to the Mattabasset Water District in Cromwell for wastewater treatment facility upgrades

• $495,000 to the Town of Prospect for upgrades to its drinking water infrastructure

• $300,000 to the City of Norwich for improvements to its wastewater treatment facility

• $300,000 to the Town of East Lyme for drinking water system improvements

• $150,000 to the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford for Preservation Efforts

• $150,000 to the City of Derby for renovations to the Sterling Opera House

The bill also includes funding to protect Tulmeadow Farm in Simsbury through the Forest Legacy program, a federal program that protects environmentally sensitive forest lands. In addition, the bill also provides funds for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, of which Connecticut will receive over $25.5 million and nearly $13.6 million, respectively.