House Republican Press Release

June 9, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Gov. Rell, Rep. Piscopo: $120,000 Okayed to Reconstruct Prospect Street Bridge in Burlington

The State Bond Commission today approved a $120,000 grant to reconstruct the Prospect Street Bridge in Burlington, which was virtually destroyed during last fall’s flooding, Governor M. Jodi Rell and state Representative John E. Piscopo, R-76^th District, announced today.

The Bond Commission approved the grant, which is provided through the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), at its monthly meeting today.

“The Prospect Street Bridge is a key link in the Town of Burlington and the state can shoulder at least part of the cost of rebuilding it,” Governor Rell said. “The bridge has been closed to traffic for months, and I am pleased that this funding can now be made available.”

 “Replacing the Prospect Street Bridge is a major priority for the town,” Representative Piscopo said. “Prospect Street is a heavily traveled road that is vital to that part of Burlington. It is widely used by both residents and out-of-town motorists. Residents who live near the bridge currently must use time-consuming detours to get to and from their homes. The approval of this grant is an important first step toward fully reopening the road to local traffic.”

The Prospect Street bridge was heavily damaged during the flooding in October 2005. The Town of Burlington is also seeking for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Administration to apply toward the cost of reconstructing the span.

Governor Rell thanked Representative Piscopo, who represents Burlington in the General Assembly, for his efforts in keeping the project on track for approval by the Bond Commission.