Sen. Linares: New CT Law Provides Opportunity for Higganum Cove Cleanup

Ray Bogdin (left) and Sen. Art Linares (right) review a map of a section of Higganum Cove prior to touring the area.

Sen. Art Linares pauses in front of a waterfall during his tour of a section of Higganum Cove.

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.

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.

“Our goal is to get this beautiful property cleaned up without burdening local taxpayers,” Sen. Linares said. “I thank Ray for inviting me on the tour. This is truly a hidden treasure. The scenery is amazing, and with its proximity to the Connecticut River, I can envision a park which will be a magnet for tourists and nature lovers from across the state and region. We will continue to do all we can to make this vision a reality.”

The law takes effect October 1.

Sen. Linares can be reached at [email protected] or at 800-842 1421. He represents Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.