Larson: House Approves Funding to Spur Economic Growth in East Hartford
FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE: July24, 2009
CONTACT:Paul Mounds 860-278-8888
Larson: HouseApproves Funding to Spur Economic Growth in East Hartford
WashingtonD.C. - Last night, the House of Representatives passed legislation thatincludes $400,000 in federal funding for the Town of East Hartford to improvethe infrastructure of the Park Avenue commercial area. The funding will helpsupport the development of a master design plan to spur economic developmentand regional employment growth.
U.S.Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) advocated for the inclusion of the fundingfor East Hartford in the Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD)Appropriations bill.
"Park Avenue has built a foundation uponwhich economic development in East Hartford and the Greater Hartford region canexpand. The underutilized and vacant warehouses in the area can househigh tech and green manufacturing companies and bring much needed jobs to thecommunity. By making an investment in Park Avenue, we are ensuring economicstability and job growth in the region. This project will serve as a true exampleof sustainable urban development," said Congressman Larson.
Thefunding will be used to develop a master design plan focused on enhancing theinfrastructure to make the area attractive and inviting to businesses. The Park Avenue commercial area was previously used as a warehouse, food, andmanufacturing center, however due to major infrastructure obstacles, the areaand the warehouse facilities are unfeasible locations for prospectivebusinesses in its current state. The area is being targeted as a locationfor green and high technology companies due to its adjacency to the ConnecticutSouthern Rail Line and the large capacity of dark fiber optic lines on therail.
TheTransportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill will maketargeted investments to provide short term help in the form of housing and jobsto those hurt most by the economic downturn and long term solutions likeimproved infrastructure to put our economy on sound footing for thefuture. It invests in the next generation of high speed passenger rail aswell as in new commuter and light rail systems to increase our use of publictransportation and help wean us off of our addiction to foreign oil. Inaddition, the bill invests in grant programs that will revitalize neighborhoods,spur economic development in vacant commercial and industrial sites and improveour nation's aging highway system to make transportation safer and moreefficient.
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