Stratford Delegation Supports Brownfield Grant for Brewery

Hartford – State Senator Kevin C. Kelly (R-21) and State Representatives Laura Hoydick (R-120), Terry Backer (D-121) and Larry Miller (R-122) sent a letter to Catherine Smith, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, in support of the Town of Stratford’s application for funding through the 2012 Municipal Brownfield Grant Program on Thursday, February 29th.

“We write to you today in full support of the Town of Stratford’s application to DECD for funding through the 2012 Municipal Brownfields Grant Program,” wrote the Stratford legislative delegation in a letter.

“I am excited to welcome a new business to Stratford,” said Senator Kelly. “We must encourage greater private investment, and the brownfield grant program allows businesses to utilize existing industrial buildings, clean them up, and bring jobs to our communities. Some of my top priorities include economic development and job creation, and I look forward to supporting similar initiatives in the future.”

“This project is a win/win,” said Representative Backer. “Using the state’s brownfields legislation as a vehicle to clean up this location while bringing in private development to our town is a home run. The reuse of this industrial land means its return to Stratford’s tax rolls plus welcome jobs for our citizens.”

“I think it’s very significant that we are turning the Baird building into a home for the Two Roads Brewery,” said Representative Hoydick. “We are getting the dual benefit of bringing jobs to Stratford and cleaning up an industrial site. By locating this new business in Stratford it will also enhance the existing cultural attractions of Perry House, Judson House and the Shakespeare Theatre.”

The $574,000 grant would aid in the remediation of previously unidentified contamination in the main building of the former U.S. Baird Corporation.

“Jobs, jobs, jobs, that is what the people in my district are concerned about right now as I meet them at the local coffee shop,” said Representative Miller. “This brownfield grant program is the perfect way to encourage businesses to come and bring their jobs to Connecticut.”

The bipartisan Stratford delegation concluded their letter by writing, “This project is vital to the success of the revitalization of the town of Stratford. Two Roads brewery’s unique business model plans to bring 70 jobs to our community.”