House Republican Press Release

August 13, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REPRESENTATIVE FREY: BOND COMMISSION EXPECTED TO AUTHORIZE $2.5 MILLION TO SUPPORT LOCAL PLANT EXPANSION

State Rep. John H. Frey, R-Ridgefield, today said the State Bond Commission is expected to approve a $2.5 million grant for roadway and utility improvements to support Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s expansion project of its plant, which is located at 900 Ridgebury Road, on the Ridgefield-Danbury border.  The funding item is on the Bond Commission’s agenda for Friday, August 18, when it meets at the State Capitol complex in Hartford. 

An increase in traffic from area development and hilly topography have contributed to safety issues near into the facilty.  The improvements will also better facilitate the anticipated increase in visitor and employee traffic. Boehringer-Ingelheim is expected to create an additional 500 jobs at the site during the next several years.

The $2.5 million grant is the second phase of funding for improvements to the infrastructure and roadways leading to the Boehringer Ingelheim research campus. Phase I funding of $500,000, for planning the project, was approved in July 2005. The Phase II infrastructure improvements will accommodate the anticipated increase in employee and visitor traffic to the facility.

           “Through the years, Boehringer-Ingelheim has been an outstanding member of the community,” said Rep. Frey. “This funding allows for an expansion that will not only create local jobs but also improve safety near the facility. I appreciate Governor Rell’s continued support of this project.”

Boehringer Ingelheim is among the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies, having originated in Germany in 1885, with nearly 37,500 employees across the globe.