“We were briefed about the Warde project costs last winter and decided to work on a legislative fix from several different angles,” the Fairfield delegation said in a statement. “We were able to draft an amendment to a school construction bill that allowed a special exception for a roof being replaced. The result is we were able to shave off about $5 million in additional construction costs for the Warde roof project.”

The lawmakers explained that state environmental and clean air quality regulations require roof replacement projects to make adjustments in the pitch of the roof to assure proper water runoff. When contractors began to price the Warde project they determined that complying with the pitch requirement for this particular building would add about $5 million in costs without any guarantee of additional protection from water damage. An exception was in order.

“The original intent of the law was to cover new construction, not replacement projects,” the Fairfield delegation continued, “so there was a good reason for us to seek the changes we needed.” The roof is slated to be replaced in sections with the first phase beginning this summer.

In 2010, Fairfield public school administrators approached Rep. Kupchick about the leaks in the Warde school’s roof. Kupchick was central in shepherding the legislation through the committee process, and the whole Fairfield delegation joined the effort to urge the legislature to act this week and ensure its passage.

First Selectman Mike Tetreau said, “On behalf of the town, I am very grateful to our Fairfield state delegation for all of their efforts in helping the town qualify for state reimbursement for the Fairfield Warde High School roof replacement project. This positive news is a much-welcomed benefit for Fairfield taxpayers.”

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“Fairfield’s beaches are an indelible part of our community – a great setting for social events and family recreation. Along with other recent improvements, this funding will make it easier for more of our neighbors to enjoy a day at the beach,” said Senator McKinney.

Representative Kupchick said, “Having served on the Park & Rec Commission as a Board of Education Rep. I heard from many residents with disabilities who asked the town for safe access to the beaches. Access is an important right to all our residents, especially those who are disabled. These funds assist the town in providing that access.

“I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to see this project through to the end,” said Representative Fawcett. “For many years we have all been working together to help move the Penfield project to completion. This additional funding will help to ensure Fairfield residents will have a beautiful beach facility to enjoy for years to come.”

“This allocation of STEAP funding is a welcomed help in supporting the Town of Fairfield in building needed improvements for people with disabilities at its beaches. This project will ensure the beauty of Fairfield’s beachfront can be enjoyed by all the residents in our community,” said Representative Hwang.

The Connecticut Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), administered by the Office of Policy and Management, provides financial assistance for capital projects that encourage economic development and preserve the character of the state’s less populated towns.

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Senator McKinney talks with “State and Church”

Senator McKinney talks with “State and Church”

Senator McKinney talks with “State and Church”

Senator McKinney talks with Brad Davis

“For months the governor and legislative Democrats have been in denial about the state of our budget crisis. As they’ve procrastinated, our deficit has grown to $285 million with just nine days remaining in the legislative session and just 60 days remaining in the fiscal year.

“Instead of addressing the deficit, Democrats have been behind closed doors working on a plan to spend $320 million in new taxpayer money in the next fiscal year. Today’s forecasts render those plans obsolete as there is no longer enough money to fund either the governor’s, or the legislative Democrats’ FY13 budget proposals. The more fiscally conservative Republican alternative, which accomplishes meaningful education reform within existing appropriations, is the only plan that is still in balance and we urge the governor and Democrat leaders to take a more serious look at it. At the very least, the governor and legislature need to agree on a deficit mitigation plan to balance this year’s budget before spending next year’s money.”

Senator McKinney talks with Vinnie Penn

Senator McKinney talks with Jim Vicevich

Senator McKinney talks with Lee Elci