Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that $500,000 in new state funding will soon be available to pay for the dredging of Mill Pond in New Canaan.  The funding comes from the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) that is to be approved at the June meeting of the State Bond Commission.

“It is critical that we preserve our beautiful parks and environmental areas for enjoyment by future generations,” said Governor Rell.  “Open space recreational areas like New Canaan’s Mill Pond are vital assets for our small towns and residents.  We must continue to invest in their environmental health.”

The dredging of Mill Pond will allow the town to restore the pond’s appearance and public use for recreational activities.  The pond is the central focus of the town’s 10-acre Mill Pond Park.  Significant amounts of sediment have accumulated in the pond over the years diminishing its use, environmental health and appearance. 

The total cost of the Mill Pond dredging project is estimated to be $850,000.  New Canaan has already funded and completed the initial environment design and planning for the project.  The state funding will now allow the town to contract for the dredging operations.

"I am delighted that Governor Rell has placed the Mill Pond dredging project on the bond commission agenda as part of the STEAP program,” said State Senator William H. Nickerson.     “This project is critically needed in order to restore the degraded pond to its original pristine state.  Preserving this vital natural resource should be, and is, a priority in terms of the state's mission in protecting our environment.  I know the people of New Canaan will appreciate the state taking a leadership role." 

“This is good news for New Canaan and its citizens,” said State Senator Judith G. Freedman.  “This grant will certainly help to improve the infrastructure of Mill Pond Park.  I want to thank Governor Rell for being responsive to our needs."

 “I’m delighted that we will receive these funds for the remediation of Mill Pond,” said State Representative John W. Hetherington.  “It is a community treasure that is at substantial risk.  I am thankful to Governor Rell for her attention to our local needs.”

“As a result of my solid working partnership with Governor Rell and my constant legislative effort to meet the needs of my New Canaan constituency, I am pleased that my hard work to gain this $500,000 STEAP grant now means we can dredge Mill Pond and return that beautiful natural pond from what it is now, a silted-in and lifeless pool into the kind of recreation resource that symbolizes New Canaan’s quality of life,” said State Representative Donald B. Sherer.

A total of $20 million has been authorized for over 100 towns under the STEAP program this fiscal year. 

The Bond Commission will meet Friday, June 9, at 11 a.m. in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

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