Press Releases
05/29/2026
DEEP Applauds Bond Commission Funding For Infrastructure Improvements to State Parks, Trails, Dams; Remediation of Contaminated Sites
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) applauded the State Bond Commission’s passage today of more than $45 million in funding that will support improvements to the network of hiking and walking trails in our state, infrastructure improvements in State Parks, repairs to municipal and state-owned dams and other flood control improvements, various municipal infrastructure repairs, and remediation of two contaminated sites in Waterbury.
“The funds approved by the State Bond Commission today will support practical, visible improvements in communities across Connecticut,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “These investments will help clean up contaminated properties and prepare them for productive reuse, strengthen the parks and trails residents and visitors enjoy, and support dam and flood control work that protects public safety. We are grateful to Governor Lamont, the State Bond Commission, and the Connecticut State Legislature for their continued action and support for these important investments in affordability, health, safety, outdoor access, and environmental protection.”
The funding approved today supports three major areas of work:
Remediation and Redevelopment
The Bond Commission approved funding to support cleanup work at two contaminated sites in Waterbury.
This includes $4 million for continued environmental investigation and cleanup at the Anamet property, a former brass tubing manufacturing site that dates to 1825 and has been vacant since 2003. The property has soil and groundwater polluted with petroleum, solvents, metals, PCBs, and other pollutants. The funding will support work needed to prepare the property for productive reuse by light industrial and commercial businesses.
The Bond Commission also approved $550,000 for the Scovill Industrial Landfill Superfund Site in Waterbury. This site was used by Scovill Manufacturing Company as an industrial landfill in the early to mid-1900s, and portions of the area were later developed into residential and commercial properties. This important state funding will support Connecticut’s share of an EPA remedy that includes excavation of limited areas of higher-risk contamination, capping of contaminated areas not currently covered by pavement or buildings, and institutional controls to help ensure the remedy remains effective in the future.
Recreational Infrastructure Investment
The Bond Commission approved $10 million for Connecticut State Parks and recreation infrastructure improvements, supporting the Lamont administration’s continued historic investment in Connecticut’s state parks, forests, campgrounds, wildlife management areas, and other DEEP-managed facilities.
This funding will support near-term projects focused on park operations, public safety, accessibility, and infrastructure reliability statewide, keeping pace with the high traffic and expanding use of these invaluable Connecticut resources.
Additional funding will support paving and drainage improvements at Salt Rock Campground and West Rock Ridge State Park, mechanical repairs and upgrades at Harkness Memorial State Park, accessibility improvements at Eagle Landing State Park, a modernized wildlife necropsy lab at Session Woods, along with numerous minor capital projects including roofing, masonry, historic preservation, and expanded fishing pier access and improvements.
$15 Million was also approved by the Bond Commission for the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program. The program supports private nonprofit organizations, municipalities, state departments, and tribal governments working on trail projects, including planning, design, construction, maintenance, restoration, accessibility improvements, land or easement acquisition, and trail equipment.
The current grant round received 75 applications, totaling $20.1 million in requests, reflecting continued strong demand for trail investments across Connecticut. Twenty-five of the projects recommended for awards occur within or serve distressed municipalities and environmental justice communities.
Improved parks, trails, and outdoor spaces mean more ways for the public to get outside, stay active, and enjoy Connecticut, affordably. These investments keep public recreation safe, accessible, and ready for the next generation.
Public Safety: Dams, Flood Control, and Erosion Protection
The Bond Commission approved $2.75 million for state dam repairs, including work related to Peck Pond Dam in Putman, Great Hill Pond Dam in Portland, Beaver Meadow Dam in Haddam, Seymour Dam #4 in Oxford, the statewide DamWatch Program, wildlife dams, and various state dams.
The Bond Commission also approved $800,000 for flood control improvements, flood repair, erosion damage repairs, and municipal dam repairs. This includes support for Great Creek Tide Gates repair design, statewide dam inspection and assessment work, Bradway Pond Dam repair design, a state match for the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service Emergency Watershed Program, and various repairs as needed.
These investments help reduce long-term costs by addressing infrastructure needs before they become emergencies, while strengthening public safety and community resilience in the face of heavier rainfall, flooding, erosion, and aging infrastructure.
Together, these investments ensure cleaner land, safer infrastructure, stronger outdoor recreation access, and more resilient communities across Connecticut.
Brief Description of Funding for DEEP-related efforts approved by the Bond Commission today:
$15M for Rec Trails grants
Supports planning, construction, maintenance, restoration, accessibility improvements, equipment, land/easement acquisition, and safety education for recreational trail projects statewide.
$10M to parks for infrastructure improvements (inc. ADA improvements)
Funds near-term State Parks and recreation infrastructure needs, including ADA accessibility, improved campground facilities, storm and flood recovery, paving and drainage, bathhouse and restroom renovations, accessibility upgrades, hazardous tree removal, and mechanical system improvements.
$4M for remediation at Anamet Site, Waterbury
Supports continued environmental investigation and cleanup of a long-vacant former manufacturing property with soil and groundwater contamination, helping prepare the site for future light industrial and commercial reuse.
$550K Scovill landfill remediation, Waterbury
Provides Connecticut’s share of an EPA Superfund remedy that includes targeted excavation, capping of contaminated areas, and long-term controls to protect public health and the environment.
$2.75M Dam repairs
Supports state dam repair needs, monitoring, and related work as part of a broader dam safety package addressing aging infrastructure and public safety risks to help maintain safe and reliable dam infrastructure.
$800K flood control projects, dam repairs
Supports flood control improvements, flood repair, erosion damage repairs, municipal dam repair needs, and related design, inspection, assessment, and emergency watershed work.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110