House Republican Press Release

February 17, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Gov. Rell, Reps Bielawa, Stripp: $600,000 Grant Okayed for Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mills Project in Redding

Governor M. Jodi Rell and state Representatives Hank W. Bielawa and John E. Stripp today announced the award of a $600,000 Small Cities grant that will help finance the demolition and cleanup of three buildings located on the old Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mills property in Redding.  State funding will be used to contain large quantities of lead, asbestos, and other hazardous materials that currently exist at the site.

 The town of Redding is partnering with the Georgetown Land Development Company to revitalize the former wire mill industrial site.  The overall project will combine and include a variety of uses such as market rate residential housing; affordable senior housing; artist style lofts; the return of the Georgetown Train Station; a community theater, commercial, retail and office space; and other public and community facilities.

“By demolishing these two mills, not only will we be cleaning up a brownfield site, but we will also be creating hundreds of new homes and generating new revenue for the town and state,” Governor Rell said.  “Bringing properties like this back into productive reuse is a key to successful community redevelopment.”

 “The Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mills project is an innovative and unique project. It will feature a compatible mix of residential, commercial and recreational facilities as well as easy access to mass transit. It will be a self-contained community that exemplifies ‘smart growth’ at its best – and it will be a valuable asset to the town for years to come. This grant will provide the additional resources needed to move the project along and ensure it is completed on a timely basis,” said Representative Bielawa, R-2^nd District.

“This project will eliminate a major eyesore and remediate a significant and long-standing environmental problem in the Georgetown section of town. It will provide new commercial and recreational outlets for residents and expand the town’s tax base.  I’m pleased that we were able to get the state involved in the cleanup and the effort to obtain additional funding for this important project. It will be a major attraction for Redding and the surrounding towns,” said Representative Stripp, R-135^th District.

The Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program provides grants to eligible municipalities for economic development, affordable housing, community facilities and services, and revitalization or development projects.  The funds are supplied by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development.