State Senator David Cappiello (R-24 th ) along with Representatives Mary Ann Carson (R-108th) and Janice Giegler (R-138th) announced today that the state expects to award $500,000 in state funding to be used toward the cost of remediation of a recent oil leakage on New Fairfield town property. The monies will be allocated from the state's Urban Act Fund. Governor M. Jodi Rell has requested that Office of Policy and Management Secretary Marc Ryan make the funding a priority for December's State Bond Commission meeting, which will be held on December 17, 2004

In late October, it was approximated that between 2,500 to 3,000 gallons of home heating oil leaked from a line that connects an oil tank used by the New Fairfield Police Department. While some of the spill leaked into a nearby brook, thus far, it has not impacted local drinking water supplies. Total cost of the remediation project has not been determined but indications are that the costs will be significant.

"Obviously, the leak could be a severe risk both to the environment and the public health of New Fairfield if it were not dealt with swiftly and properly. In addition, without additional funding, there is the possibility of an increased local tax burden for New Fairfield citizens, " said Senator Cappiello. "I, along with everybody in the town, am grateful for Governor Rell's rapid response to this serious issue."

"After being notified of the leakage two weeks ago by resident Kim Hanson, we immediately began to pursue possible funding," said Rep. Carson. "It appeared that that all avenues had been exhausted without success until we received a phone call from Governor Rell's office. It is indeed welcome news that the Governor responded so quickly to our concerns and clearly recognized the impact that this leakage has had on the New Fairfield community. I'm delighted that we collectively have been able to assist in this effort."

"I'm pleased that the Governor recognized the urgency of our request to secure funding to assist the Town of New Fairfield in its costly oil tank spill cleanup," said Rep. Giegler. "This truly represents a coming together of state officials responding to an emergency which impacts the citizens of New Fairfield."