ANSONIA — State Representative Kara Rochelle (D‑Ansonia, Derby) on Friday applauded approval of $9.2 million by the State Bonding Commission to fund critical economic development projects in Ansonia.
* $6.7 million was approved to excavate and dispose of contaminated soils at the former SHW factory site, and $2.5 million for the strategic demolition and environmental cleanup of the casting shop, storage shed, and powerhouse on the Ansonia Copper & Brass site. The additional demolition is the next phase in the state-funded economic recovery plan for Ansonia.
“These state funds advance our efforts to redevelop and re-envision Ansonia’s downtown,” Rep. Rochelle said. “I’m so proud to have a hand in delivering these funds, as we know these sites would remain contaminated and unusable without meaningful state investments like this. Over the past three years we’ve delivered over $20 million for the Ansonia Brass/Farrel/SHW revitalization effort. This was a team effort and I particularly want to thank Governor Lamont, DECD Commissioner Daum, the members of the State Bonding Commission, Speaker Matt Ritter and Majority Leader Jason Rojas, my state partner in advocacy Sen. Jorge Cabrera, and local city officials. This approval shows that when you stay focused, work hard, and advocate strategically and fiercely, good things will come.”
These funds are part of a series of funds Rep. Rochelle and state officials have delivered for Ansonia, including:
- $500,000 in state funds in 2020 for environmental clean-up and demolition of the SHW/Farrel Foundry site
- $1,000,000 in state funds in 2021 for environmental clean-up and demolition of the SHW/Farrel site
- $2,000,000 in state funds in 2021 for redevelopment of the 175,000-square-foot Ansonia Copper and Brass Extrusion Mill building
- $200,000 in state funds in 2022 for additional assessment and planning related to the SHW/Farrel site’s redevelopment
- $2,900,000 that U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro secured in July 2022 to aid in the demolition on the SHW/Farrel site
- $6,500,000 in state funds in 2022 for the restoration of an access bridge at the Ansonia Copper & Brass industrial complex for vehicles
- $540,000 in state funds in 2022 to restore or remove two pedestrian bridges located at the Ansonia Copper & Brass complex and SHW/Farrel site
- $6,700,000 in state funds in 2023 to excavate and dispose of contaminated soils, remediation of an additional building, and demolition at the SHW/Farrel site
- $2,500,000 in state funds in 2023 for the remediation and demolition of the casting shop, storage shed, and powerhouse on the Ansonia Copper & Brass Site
- In addition, $1,200,000 in annual state funds were secured to increase service on the Waterbury Rail Line, adjacent to the redevelopment site. Increased service started in July of 2022. Millions in additional dollars were also secured to upgrade the train stations in Ansonia and Derby. These stations are currently in the design phase, with funds ready for building upgraded stations.
“Rep. Rochelle has worked diligently to secure these funds for Ansonia, and her hard work has clearly paid off,” Speaker of the House Matt Ritter said. “She has overcome many hurdles, and I commend her advocacy for her district.”
The State Bonding Commission met on October 6 to vote on all items on their agenda.
Rep. Rochelle proudly and passionately represents the 104th District, which includes Ansonia and Derby.