Last week, the State Bond Commission approved $30 million in funding to go toward improving our state parks and forests. The funding will support much-needed infrastructure repairs and renovations across Connecticut’s 110 state parks and 32 state forests, ensuring a better experience for everyone who wants to spend time outside.
$3 million of that investment will fund urgent repairs at state parks that were damaged in historic floods in August. The storm caused significant damage to:
Larkin Trail State Park (Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Southbury)
Kettletown State Park (Southbury)
Southford Falls State Park (Southbury)
This funding supports the Restore CT State Parks initiative, which is an historic effort by the Lamont administration and the state legislature to address the backlog of needed repairs. Since 2022, the state has committed more than $70 million of American Rescue Plan Act and state bond funds to support investment in outdoor recreation.
Improving our parks and forests will benefit everyone.. Access to parks promotes physical fitness by providing opportunities for hiking, biking, jogging, and so much more. The outdoors also helps to improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, parks provide recreational spaces where families can come together. Ultimately, this investment will increase the quality of life while preserving Connecticut’s natural beauty.
Click here to read more about the Restore CT State Parks Initiative.