Senator Fasano Announces Open Space Grant for Wallingford

As part of the ninth round of the Connecticut Natural Heritage, Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program, State Senator Len Fasano (R-34th) is pleased to announce a grant of $37,500 for the town of Wallingford. The funds will be used to preserve 25 acres in the western side of Wallingford, 10 of which is part of Fireworks Island in the Quinnipiac River.

“This is great news for the people of Wallingford. This additional land will only add to the existing Quinnipiac River Linear Trail,” said Senator Fasano. “I am happy to see Connecticut remain committed to preserving open space and protecting our environment. Future generations deserve the opportunity to appreciate all the natural beauty Connecticut has to offer.”

Over 14,000 acres spread out over 201 separate projects were acquired throughout Connecticut in the first eight rounds of open space grants. The acquisition increases open space in Connecticut by 2,196 acres and brings the total acreage to 16,196.

This announcement follows a landmark year of open space acquisition for Connecticut. Through the Connecticut DEP’s Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program, the State acquired more land in FY 2002 than any other previous year. Beyond the Open Space Grants, the DEP has acquired 30,506 acres comprised of 176 properties at a cost of slightly over $148 million since 1998. Connecticut has an overall goal of preserving 21 percent of Connecticut’s land as open space by the year 2023.