State Senator Kevin Kelly Supports Bill Establishing Antiques Trail

Hartford – On May 11th a bill establishing the Connecticut Antiques Trail was brought before the State Senate. State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) voted in favor of the measure which passed with unanimous support.

Specifically, this legislation requires the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism to submit a report by January 1, 2012 to the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee designating the trail route, projected costs, as well as the economic gain it will provide the state.

“Currently, the Connecticut Antiques Trail is expected to start in the town of Seymour and then follow the Route 8 corridor through the town of Torrington,” said Senator Kelly.

This bill is in response to the efforts of the Woodbury Business and Economic Development Committee to place signs for a trail along Route 8, including the towns of Seymour, Oxford, Southbury, Woodbury, Roxbury, Washington, Bethlehem, Morris, Litchfield, Bantam and Torrington.

“Creating an antiques trail is really a great proposal and one that will certainly boost Connecticut’s economy,” noted Senator Kelly. “Our area of the state is home to so many antique shops, buyers, collectors and dealers, and through these efforts aimed at promoting good business, we all prosper. At a time when our state’s economy is struggling to recover it is increasingly important to encourage industries, such as this, already ingrained in our communities.

The January report should deliver positive feedback and I genuinely look forward to the business generated by the trail.”

The bill now goes to the floor of the House for a final vote.