House Republican Press Release

June 9, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Gov. Rell, Reps Stripp, Bielawa, Sen. Freedman: $500,000 Grant Okayed for Redding Project

The State Bond Commission has approved a $500,000 grant to help the Town of Redding renovate and expand its police department facility, Governor M. Jodi Rell and state Representatives John E. Stripp, R- 135^th District, and Hank Bielawa, R-2^nd District, and state Sen. Judith G. Freedman, R-26^th District, announced today.

The Bond Commission approved the funding at its monthly meeting today (Friday, June 9^th). The funding is provided through the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP).

“The Redding Police Department has been operating for years in an antiquated, overcrowded facility that does not adequately serve either the officers or the public,” Governor Rell said.  “I am pleased to authorize this funding to help the town begin the renovation and expansion process and give the department the facility it deserves.”

“This project is important on a number of levels, including the ability of the police department to keep pace with the town’s growth and development,” Governor Rell said.  “This need is illustrated by the development of the Gilbert and Bennett wire mill property into new commercial space and residential housing.”

“Redding has experienced significant growth over the past few years and one of the consequences has been the need for a larger and more visible police presence in town,” said Representative Stripp, who sent a letter supporting the grant to state Office of Policy and Management Secretary Robert L. Genuario last October. “Although the Police Department has grown during that time, the police station has not been expanded or modernized for more than three decades. The renovation, improvement and expansion project this grant will help finance will enable the Police Department to respond more effectively and efficiently to the public safety challenges facing the town in the 21^st Century.”

“This grant is very timely. It will help pay for a variety of improvements to modernize and upgrade the police station. It builds on the improvements that were made to the facility while I was first selectman,” Representative Bielawa said. “Since then, the department has undergone additional growth and its space needs have grown along with it.”

“The Governor has been very responsive to the small towns in this part of the state and I want to personally thank her and the Bond Commission for making this grant a reality,” Senator Freedman said.  “The state funding is crucial to Redding’s ability to move forward with upgrading its police facility.  Along with town residents and my legislative colleagues, I am excited about the new funding and the improvements it will bring.” 

The building currently housing the Redding Police Department is a converted church schoolhouse that has not seen a major expansion since about 1970.  Meanwhile, the department has grown from five officers with one resident state trooper to its current authorized strength of 15 officers, five dispatchers and an animal control officer.  Besides additional office space, holding cells and other facility improvements, the renovation and expansion plan includes accessibility for people with disabilities beyond the front lobby and dispatch area.