Senator Cathy Cook, R-Mystic, today met with Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner David Leff to discuss funding options for replacing the recently dismantled fishing platforms on the Masons Island causeway bridge.

“As someone who has lived here all my life, I empathize with the many, many people for whom fishing at the causeway bridge is the best part of summer. Unfortunately, the platforms were old and unsafe and town officials really had no choice but to take them down. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t find a way to replace them with something better and, more important, safe. Deputy Commissioner Leff, First Selectman Brown and I are committed to finding a way to do just as that as quickly as possible,” said Senator Cook.

“I am delighted, and grateful, that Senator Cook is willing to make replacing the fishing platforms a priority. The platforms that were there had deteriorated and become unsafe. With Senator Cook’s help, I’m sure that we’ll soon have something better and, more important, safe in the near future. I am looking forward to working with her, and DEP Deputy Commissioner Leff. This project is a high priority for me,” said First Selectman Brown.

Senator Cook said she felt encouraged as a result of the meeting.

“We have identified several sources of possible funding for replacing the fishing platforms, including the Long Island Sound Fund, which is funded by the sale of Long Island Sound license plates, and the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program. I am grateful that First Selectman Bill Brown is so committed to the importance of replacing the fishing platforms and look forward to working with him and Deputy Commissioner David Leff to get the job done,” said Senator Cook.