(Middletown Press) Sen. Linares tours Haddam Cove; Discusses Clean Up Efforts

Article as it appeared in the Middletown Press

Linares tours Haddam Cove

HADDAM >> Sen. Art Linares and Higganum resident Ray Bogdin on July 2 toured a section of Higganum Cove and discussed efforts to speed up the cleanup of an old factory site set on 12-acres on the Higganum River. The property is now on a list of state Superfund sites awaiting clean-up.

A bill co-sponsored by Sen. Linares in this year’s legislative session and recently signed into state law offers municipalities like Haddam immunity from liability in assuming ownership of such properties. That immunity brings with it a better shot at securing cleanup funds, Linares said.

The new legislation offers an opportunity for towns like Haddam to apply to the state for a Brownfield status, and if the property is deemed suitable for the program, to consider a foreclosure action to offset delinquent taxes. The law takes effect Oct. 1.

“Our goal is to get this beautiful property cleaned up without burdening local taxpayers,” Linares said.