By Mary Welander
State Rep., D-114
Mary Welander
Most of my work is centered on legislative policy, so seeing tangible results of a successful community focused project is especially exciting. Here are some updates on some of the projects I have secured money for, along with a request at the end.
In Orange, progress continues on the Fred Wolfe Park expansion. I was able to secure roughly $200,000 for the American with Disabilities Act-accessible playground in 2021/2022. The bipartisan, community-led Fred Wolfe Park Committee worked with the planning company to engage the community to come up with a master plan that is safe, sustainable and best meets the needs of all residents. You can read more about that at fredwolfeparkmasterplan.com.
Another exciting development in Orange is the repair and rebuilding of the ADA-accessible boardwalk at Racebrook Tract, which has been unusable for too long. A lovely, winding boardwalk trail that allows everyone to experience the beautiful woods and streams that are part of the preserve will be rebuilt in partnership with the Orange Conservation Commission with $185,000 of funding I obtained this last budget cycle.
In Woodbridge, we are seeing years of hard work with the Community and Cultural Center come to fruition. This is an incredibly exciting project that is a result of local investment and over $2 million in state funding that I was proud to help procure in partnership with Gov. Ned Lamont.
Additionally, I secured the Beecher Road School Project on the Department of Administrative Services Priority List, which names select school construction projects where the funds are appropriated into the state budget, and that are guaranteed a high level of reimbursement to the town.
I know Woodbridge values education and wants a safe and efficient school building, but with one main campus, any school construction or repair project will come with a high cost. Alleviating as much of the financial burden for my Woodbridge constituents was a high priority for me. With the thorough estimates created by the Beecher Road School Building Committee (also bipartisan and community-led), the state budget included the highest potential cost for reimbursement considerations, confirming that the most money could go back to the town.
I also ensured that an additional 5 percent reimbursement rate was included to reflect the consistent progress Woodbridge has been making toward creating more affordable housing, as well as waiving the penalty for a repeated roof project, for a rough total of 54 percent reimbursement rate if voters support the project at referendum.
What is especially exciting is a new provision that gives up to an additional 20 percent reimbursement for towns that are experiencing student population growth. Woodbridge should qualify, and I will work to secure it next session. Most municipalities are seeing a decline in student numbers; our schools are growing because of the quality of our teachers and education offered and is something to be proud of.
Now the request: what projects do you think would improve our communities that I can fight for next session if I have the honor of being reelected? Let me know at mary.welander@cga.ct.gov.