House Republican Press Release

October 11, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. STRIPP: ANNOUNCES OPEN SPACE GRANT FOR REDDING

Representative John Stripp, R-135 today announced that the Town of Redding and the Nature Conservancy has been awarded a $500,000 grant toward the costs of acquiring the Levine property for open space.

The announcement was made Monday by Governor M. Jodi Rell and state Department of Environmental Protection officials during a press conference in Southbury. According to DEP officials,  the 40 acres are being set aside for conservation land.

“This is wonderful news for everyone who strongly believes in the importance of preserving open space, especially ecologically important land such as the Levine property. I am delighted that the state is investing in local efforts to protect this parcel for future generations,” said Representative Stripp. 

“This is another excellent example of open space organizations such as the Nature Conservancy, towns such as Redding, and the state working together for future generations. I’m pleased that the state of Connecticut could assist in the process of acquiring this important property,” added Representative Stripp. “This is a terrific piece of property. It holds historical and archeological significance. Parcels like this deserve to be preserved and it represents a tremendous acquisition for the town.”

The State's overall goal is to preserve 21% of Connecticut's land as open space by the year 2023, a total of 673,210 acres.  The initiative includes 10% of open space to be state owned as additions to the State’s system of parks, forests, wildlife, fisheries and natural resource management areas, with the remaining 11% owned by municipalities, private nonprofit land conservation organizations, water companies and the federal government.  As of January 2006, 70% of this goal has been achieved through the direct purchase of open space by the state and through state support for local acquisitions.