House Republican Press Release

May 16, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

STATE LEGISLATORS ANNOUNCE FUNDING TO PRESERVE HISTORIC BUILDINGS

State Senator David Cappiello (R-24), State Reps. Mary Ann Carson (R-108) and Janice Giegler (R-138) today announced the State Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism (CCCT) has awarded the Town of New Fairfield a $50,000 grant to preserve the former Congregational Church Parsonage/Cassidy House and the Gideon Hubbell House. The CCCT executive committee granted final approval for the grant on Wednesday, May 10.

Both buildings are listed on the State Register of Historic Places. This designation enabled the town to qualify for preservation funding assistance through the agency's newly-established Endangered Property grant-in-aid program. The program was created by legislation supported by Sen. Cappiello and Reps. Carson and Giegler that was passed into law in 2005.

New Fairfield First Selectman John Hodge requested emergency funding from CCCT in April. The agency’s May 10 award to New Fairfield represents the program’s first Endangered Property matching grant in the amount of $50,000.

Current plans call for the two buildings to be moved to another location, which would likely be adjacent to the proposed location for New Fairfield’s new senior center.

“This grant was made possible through the efforts of many local officials and volunteers.  This was truly a 'ground-up' effort," said Sen. Cappiello. "I am very pleased that we were able to secure this funding for these historic buildings which will always be a part of the New Fairfield community." 

“I congratulate Preserve New Fairfield Inc. and our First Selectman for their continued efforts on this project.  It has been wonderful to see the teamwork and enthusiasm shared by those who are attempting to preserve a part of New Fairfield’s history”, said Rep. Carson. “I am also pleased  to have supported legislation that not only provided this funding but that made New Fairfield the first recipients of this particular grant.”

“This grant will help New Fairfield take advantage of a unique opportunity to preserve its heritage,” said Rep. Giegler. “So much of Connecticut’s history lies within its small towns and it is important to allow our communities to protect these historic buildings so future generations can appreciate their significance.”

First Selectman Hodge added his gratitude to Paul Loether, Director of the Commission’s Historic Preservation and Museum Division, who has been working directly with the Town for nearly a year to assist the town in its efforts.