Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that $300,000 in new state funding will soon be available to help the Town of New Canaan with the dredging of Mead Pond, a project aimed at revitalizing the centerpiece of the town’s popular Mead Memorial Park.

The funding comes from the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), and is expected to be approved at the next meeting of the State Bond Commission.

“The town’s plan to dredge Mead Pond is significant on a number of levels,” Governor Rell said.  “Deeper water will be good for recreation, the environment and overall appearance of the pond.  Residents will enjoy better ice skating and fishing, as just two examples of how the dredging project is going to benefit the pond and the park.”

Currently, Mead Pond has an average water depth of 3.2 feet and contains about 35,550 cubic yards of soft sediment.  Dredging is expected to increase pond depth to a maximum of 14 feet, with a mean depth of 7.4 feet, and increase the pond from 5.5 million to 12.7 million gallons of water.  The dredging plan includes draining the pond, constructing diversion channels, excavating sediment and installing sediment control structures for the future.

“The state’s investment in improving Mead Pond will pay outstanding dividends,” said Senator William H. Nickerson.  “The pond and the entire Mead Memorial Park are community treasures, and we need to do everything possible to protect them today and for future generations.  Governor Rell’s decision to recommend this project for STEAP funding will go a long way toward doing just that.  The support by the Governor and anticipated approval by the Bond Commission is greatly appreciated.”

Representative John W. Hetherington said, “This grant means a great deal to the people of New Canaan.  A revitalized Mead Pond will not only make the entire park more attractive and environmentally sound—it will bring more recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.  I applaud Governor Rell for making this a priority for Bond Commission, and I look forward to seeing the project get underway.” 

Senator Judith G. Freedman said, “I am particularly pleased to see New Canaan receive funding under the STEAP program for the Mead Pond dredging project.  A deeper, stabilized pond will bring greater recreational opportunities and environmental benefits to what is already a popular and attractive park.  Governor Rell and the Bond Commission are funding a first-rate project.”

Representative Donald B. Sherer said, “I am glad to see the state investing in a much-needed STEAP grant to help the town upgrade Mead Pond and, in turn, Mead Memorial Park.  The time has come to make this project a reality, thanks to the excellent planning and investment of local funds by the Town of New Canaan.  The Governor, Bond Commission members and town officials will be proud of the positive effects resulting from this initiative.”

            The expected $300,000 grant to help New Canaan dredge Mead Pond will complement a town investment of $900,000 for the project.  A previously-approved STEAP grant of $500,000 is assisting in the dredging of another town asset, Mill Pond.

A total of $20 million has been authorized for more than 100 small towns under the STEAP program this fiscal year.  The Bond Commission, chaired by Governor Rell, will meet Friday, October 6, at 10:30 a.m. in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

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