Deb Heinrich

The Source - 12/13/2007

The State Bond Commission was expected to approve $2 million this week to help fund construction of a new visitor center at Hammonasset State Park. State funds will supplement $2.1 million in federal funds.

The new visitor center will include a gift shop, public restrooms, staff offices, and a picnic pavilion, all linked by an elevated deck to the existing West Beach boardwalk. The new center will replace the former Main Pavilion, which was demolished in 2003 because of safety concerns.

State Representative Deb Heinrich said the new visitor center was much needed.

“Acquiring this funding was one of my top priorities, and the Friends of Hammonasset and I worked very hard to see this through to the end,” she said.

The $2 million in state funding that was due to be approved Wednesday, Dec. 12 by the State Bond Commission is a combination of four separate requests, Heinrich said.

“This new pavilion is long overdue, and this bonding is great news for visitors to the state park,” State Senator Ed Meyer said. “From an environmental point of view, I am particularly pleased with the planned use of composting toilets at the pavilion restrooms. This will ensure that no pollutants flow into the Hammonasset River or Long Island Sound.”

Meyer, who is vice-chair of the State Legislature’s Environment Committee, said, “The state park is one of the most pristine areas on the East Coast, and we need to do everything possible to protect and preserve it.”

The compost toilets, and some other measures designed to reduce potential pollutants from entering Long Island Sound, will be funded by two federal grants from the Environmental Protection Agency that total more than $2.1 million. Heinrich said the new facility will offer “top-of-the-line” amenities and be fully handicapped accessible, and every visitor “will be able to enjoy a cleaner beach as well.”

Governor M. Jodi Rell, whose office announced the bond request earlier in the week, said, “Hammonasset State Park is the most frequently visited state park in Connecticut, but right now it is without a visitor center. This project will resolve that problem, and do it with style. Drawing more than one million visitors a year, this wonderful location on Long Island Sound is a summertime favorite, for obvious reasons.

The new visitor center will blend with its surroundings and reflect green design principles, enhancing the natural beauty of this natural jewel.”