Manchester Benefitting From Latest Bond Commission Release

Manchester CT

22 December, 2021

6:41 PM

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MANCHESTER, CT — The State Bond Commission Tuesday released what lawmakers are calling "significant funding" to expand Manchester High School's manufacturing program and make improvements to Center Springs Park. The funding includes: $3 million for improvements to Center Springs Park. Improvements will include the creation of more accessible footpaths, installation of fitness equipment, construction of an amphitheater, relocation of the playground, and enhancements to the three entrance areas on Trotter Street, Liberty Street, and Lincoln Center. $390,000 grant-in-aid to the Manchester Board of Education to support the development and equipment purchases for the Manchester High School Manufacturing Program. Members of the Manchester Legislative Delegation, including House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D – East Hartford, Manchester), State Reps. Jason Doucette (D – Glastonbury, Manchester), Geoff Luxenberg (D – Manchester), and Jeff Currey (D – East Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor), State Senator Steve Cassano (D – Manchester) applauded the move: "I was proud to lead the team effort to bring state funding to Manchester for the manufacturing program, which included three years of hard work by teachers, students, administrators and manufacturers to get this phenomenal program off the ground. This funding will provide an amazing opportunity for our students at Manchester High School to build their skills in these high demand and high paying trades and will increase our investment in our workforce and manufacturing industry right here in Manchester," Doucette said. "I am grateful to the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for recognizing this and including funding for this vital program on its agenda. And I also want to give special thanks to the students and educators here in Manchester for their dedication to and advocacy of this program." "Manchester has been among the state's leaders in training the next generation of manufacturers. Through the funding provided by the State Bond Commission, our community's Board of Education can expand and continue to develop these successful workforce training programs so that our students are best prepared for the jobs of the future. Center Springs Park is an icon, reflecting Manchester's continued commitment to maintaining natural and historical assets. The 57-acre park in the center of our community as offered so many memories to residents through the years, and with the support of the Bond Commission, we can fund strategies that will improve and maintain an important piece of our town," Rojas said. "I'd like to thank Governor Lamont and Secretary McCaw for considering these essential items, and to my colleagues in Manchester, State Representatives Currey, Doucette, and Luxenberg, and State Senator Cassano for being tireless advocates for our community." "This funding creates local jobs and will transform Center Springs Park for Manchester families to enjoy for years to come," Luxenberg said. "I was proud to lead this effort and help deliver state funds for a top local priority without having to raise property taxes. Democrats delivered a huge win for everyone in Manchester." "As Connecticut's technology and manufacturing sectors grow, it will be essential for our students to have the skills necessary for the jobs of today and the future. The manufacturing and workforce development program at Manchester High School will ensure our students have options as they grow academically and as they explore careers in the 21st century workforce," Currey said. "Thank you to Governor Lamont, Secretary McCaw, and the Commission for approving these funds that will help shape positive futures for residents at every age. Investments in education and in our parks are investments in not only our community but our state." "Our vocational schools are excellent at preparing students for the workforce, and it's about time we expand our job training efforts to reflect the needs of the future. All of our students will need enhanced training to meet the challenges of coming years, and this funding will provide that," Cassano said. "I'm also encouraged by the continued investment in Center Springs Park. It's a centerpiece of our community with beautiful resources available to the entire region. Plus, it's right in the heart of the town; folks visiting from around the state and beyond will find themselves around the great restaurants on Main Street when they come visit. I'm grateful to the Governor and the Bond Commission for investing in Manchester."