Senator Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, released the following statement today regarding the State Bond Commission’s decision to approve over $9.1 million for construction on Silver Sands State Park in Milford:
“Today’s decision was deeply disappointing, but not at all surprising. This project has been widely opposed from the beginning, and that opposition has consistently been ignored. The simple fact is that no one wants this project and the State of Connecticut cannot afford it.
“People from within my district and other communities in Connecticut joined me at Silver Sands yesterday to express their opposition to this ill-conceived project. They know that the significant construction being pushed through by the state of Connecticut will ruin the tranquil appeal of this beach, which draws visitors from around all the state. Paving over and building on a natural environment does not improve it; it ruins it. Silver Sands is unique in its character, and the proposed construction will ruin that, turning it into the kind of cookie cutter beach that we do not need more of. If people want to go to that beach, they can, but they come to Silver Sands seeking a purely natural environment in which to relax. The state is willing to spend over $9.1 million to take that away.
“This construction is not right for Silver Sands, and it is not right for Connecticut. Our state continues to face serious financial hardships and deficits. State funds should be invested in our schools, our transportation infrastructure, our social safety net, or any other item that will help move this state forward. Spending such a large amount on an unwanted and unneeded construction project at a state park is irresponsible.
“Today’s decision is disappointing, but it does not change the commitment of myself and others around Connecticut to fighting this construction. We will continue to work to identify ways to stop the damage this project will do to Silver Sands State Park.”