Murphy, Blumenthal Applaud EPA Grants to Clean Up, Redevelop 5th District Sites, Boost Jobs

Statement

Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Chris Murphy today applauded an announcement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants for new investments to provide communities with funding necessary to clean and redevelop contaminated properties, boost local economies and create jobs.

Meriden and Newtown will each receive $200,000 to clean up hazardous substances, and the Waterbury Development Corp will receive $200,000 for hazardous substance clean up, and an additional $200,000 for site assessments.

"This is terrific news for Waterbury, Meriden, and Newtown," said Murphy. "In a state with so many old factories like Connecticut, we have a huge opportunity to turn these old buildings into new jobs now by cleaning them up and redeveloping the sites. I've constantly sought to push for grants as a way to make our communities safer and healthier, while boosting local economies and create jobs. I'm thrilled to see these grants come through and move forward."

"This funding is a major step toward cleanup and gainful use of land that otherwise will continue to be an eyesore and a danger to public health," Blumenthal said. "This commitment to funding should be matched by the resolve and resources of state and local governments to form a powerful alliance that ultimately should create jobs and economic growth."

"Restored Brownfield properties can serve as cornerstones for rebuilding struggling communities. These grants will be the first step in getting pollution out and putting jobs back into neighborhoods across the country," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Clean, healthy communities are places where people want to live, work and start businesses. We're providing targeted resources to help local partners transform blighted, contaminated areas into centers of economic growth."

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