House Republican Press Release

October 11, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Klarides & Crisco Applaud Open Space Funding for Woodbridge

HARTFORD- State Representative Themis Klarides (R-114) and Senator Joseph Crisco (D-17) today applauded an open space grant for the Town of Woodbridge to preserve 52.6 acres of the Race Brook Tract, previously owned by the South Central Regional Water Authority.  Governor Rell and the Department of Environmental Protection announced today that $451,298 was being allocated for the parcel.

The Town of Orange purchased and preserved 230 acres of the overall 411-acre parcel.  Woodbridge then agreed to purchase approximately 181 acres in three phases.  The first of these phases was acquired in December of 2004, the second phase in December of 2006, both with open space grants from the state.  This funding is toward the third and final phase.

“I am very pleased and excited that Governor Rell and the DEP have continued to demonstrate their commitment to open space in Woodbridge,” said Representative Klarides.  “This final phase completes the overall purchase of this beautiful tract of land which links trails created by the South Central Regional Water Authority in both Orange and Woodbridge.  These trails offer a place for cross-country skiing and stream fishing as well as bike and horseback riding on certain designated trails.  It will provide residents with great outdoor recreation, while protecting a significant wildlife habitat.”

“This is great news for our residents and our environment because this latest round of funding from the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program clears the way for the Woodbridge to purchase property to complete the third and final phase of the Race Brook Tract acquisition project,” said Senator Crisco.  “This open space area is vitally important to the Town of Woodbridge.  In addition to preserving land and protecting our environment, we will also be providing more opportunities for environmental education and recreation.”

The acquisition will also protect the Race Brook flood plain and the Coldburn Brook tributary which flows into the Wepawaug River, and into Long Island Sound.