On Thursday, January 11, 2024, Governor Lamont and Katie Dykes, commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, announced the creation of a new DEEP Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences. It will solicit partnerships with the private sector, including business, nonprofits and other groups. Dykes announced that the agency has issued a public request for information (RFI) in an initial step toward expanding services.
"We know how important that coordination is with the private sector to deliver better outdoor experiences for Connecticut residents and visitors," Dykes said, highlighting the DEEP's desire to review new ideas for expanding services for an outdoor industry that is valued at $4.6-billion and already supports 46,000 jobs. The 2022 state budget provided for an $80-million investment in parks' infrastructure. Click here to read the entire article.