House Republican Press Release

March 19, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Governor Rell Announces $250,000 for Derby Downtown Development

Governor M. Jodi Rell said today that $250,000 for the development of downtown Derby is expected to be approved when the State Bond Commission meets March 28. 

“We continue our efforts to usher in a bright new era for Derby,” the Governor said.  “These funds will help boost economic vitality in this section of Derby.  A developed downtown will mean jobs for area residents and a better quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

“We want all of our downtown areas to be special places.  Our Main Streets make Connecticut unique and we want to preserve and protect them for future generations.”

The city owns a parcel of land known as the former DOT site.  This parcel of land cannot be developed without an access road.  This parcel is to be used for the relocation of several large businesses in the downtown area and to attract new development. 

Governor Rell thanked State Representative Themis Klarides for her advocacy of the project.

“Without the access road and infrastructure improvements, downtown development would not be possible, current businesses could not be retained, and new businesses could not be attracted to the area,” State Representative Themis Klarides said.  “We want the new Derby downtown area to be a showplace of commercial, office and residential development, and these funds will help to move us in that direction.”

In 2006, Governor Rell joined state and local officials in Derby to sign legislation aimed at helping the city revitalize a blighted downtown area through the issuance of bonds to fund critical infrastructure improvements.  The law enables Derby to attract developers by financing the redevelopment of a downtown section that now includes a stretch of derelict and hazardous old buildings.