Senator William H. Nickerson (R-Greenwich), a member of the Bond Commission, voted today to approve $8.5 million in new bond funding for two open space initiatives administered by the Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP"). The funding will further the State of Connecticut's commitment to both purchase and preserve open space. The Bond Commission vote was unanimous.

DEP's Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program, used to fund state land acquisitions for the use and enjoyment of the State's system of parks, forests, wildlife, fishery and natural resource management areas, will receive $4 million in funding. An additional $4.5 million will be available for the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program which provides financial assistance to municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations and water companies.

Nickerson said, "This is very good news. During the fiscal crunch of the last two years both programs were suspended. I am delighted that the State is back in the business of preserving vital open space."

"The Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program contains a unique provision which allows municipalities or private non-profit organizations to assist the state in the purchase of properties where the municipality and the DEP have a mutual interest in the land. The Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program is an important factor in assisting cities and towns in making land acquisitions for preserving land in its natural state and local agricultural heritage and can be used for acquiring Class I or Class II watershed lands owned by water companies."