House Republican Press Release

December 12, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

STATE BOND COMMISSION APPROVES FUNDING FOR BRISTOL HEAD START FACILITY

State Representatives William Hamzy (R-78), Frank Nicastro (D-79), Ron Burns (R-77) and Elizabeth A. Boukus (D-22) today announced the state Bond Commission has approved $375,000 in grant funds for the purchase and renovation of a Head Start facility in Bristol. The bond commission approved the allocation during its meeting this morning at the State Capitol complex in Harford.

            The funding will reimburse the Bristol Community Organization (BCO) $290,000 for the purchase of the facility, located at 254 Lake Avenue, and provide $85,000 for renovations to the building. BCO, which has operated two head start classrooms as a tenant at the property for the past 10 years, purchased the building in September after it was placed on the market.

            Renovations include replacement of the roof, electrical and lighting upgrades and parking lot improvements. Future plans call for creating administrative and possible additional classroom space at the facility.

            “We certainly appreciate Bristol’s state legislators in supporting this initiative and getting it on the bond agenda, said BCO Executive Director Thomas H. Morrow. “We look forward to receiving the money and making the necessary repairs.”

“I’m very pleased Governor Rell placed this on the Bond Commission agenda,” said Rep. Hamzy. “The Bristol delegation has been working on this application for several months and it is great news for Bristol that it will move forward shortly.”

            "The Bristol delegation worked very closely on this to see it become a reality,” said Rep Nicastro.  “For the future of our city, it is a positive move for residents and children.  I would like to thank the governor for having it on the bond agenda."

            “This is an investment in Bristol’s future,” said Rep. Burns.  “BCO does a wonderful job with their Head Start program. They took a risk in purchasing the building before acquiring state funds, so we know how important it is to them that they continue to operate at this location.”

            Rep. Betty Boukus said, "I am very pleased Gov. Rell moved this project through the Bond Commission.  I also very thankful to Department of Social Services Commissioner Starkowski for keeping this project on the front-burner and BCO Executive Director Tom Morrow for keeping us informed about the urgent need for this funding."