FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2002

SENATORS DODD, LIEBERMAN AND CONGRESSMAN LARSON MOVE FORWARD ON COLTSVILLE

HARTFORD—Senators Christopher J. Dodd, Joseph I. Lieberman, and Congressman John B. Larson announced today that they are moving forward in exploring the historical and development possibilities for the Coltsville property in Hartford. The lawmakers said that as part of that effort they are committed to seeking federal funding for a study examining the feasibility of establishing a national historic park at the site.

The three offices met this morning to discuss the historical and economic value that Coltsville represents for Hartford and the appropriate historical designation from the Interior Department that would best address the needs of the area and highlight its importance.

The offices discussed the success that other communities have had in gaining a historical recognition for parts of their city, and in building residential, retail and commercial development in the area. The lawmakers said they will work to model plans for Coltsville along those same lines. In the weeks ahead, the delegation members will continue to meet with all parties connected with Coltsville as they seek to bring all resources to bear to improve and develop the property.

Senator Dodd stated: "The creative idea of tying Coltsville's future to preservation of its rich and storied past should be explored to the fullest," said Dodd. "This meeting allowed the delegation to begin a process to do exactly that. We intend to continue to work together in exploring all avenues to move this process forward."

Senator Lieberman stated: “I am pleased that City and community leaders are working together to create a plan for developing the Coltsville property with an eye toward highlighting the unique historical significance of this property. I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues and City and community leaders to secure the necessary resources to make Coltsville an economic, cultural and historical asset for the City and the region.”

Congressman Larson stated: “This morning's meeting was a solid first step in an incremental process as the delegation works to gain historical recognition for the Coltsville property, as well as to explore every other avenue of development for the area. We will begin by examining other places in the nation where similar projects have been successful. We all recognize that Coltsville is an area that well illustrates the industrial age in Hartford and has the potential to be strongly linked to the development of the neighborhood and Adriaen's Landing. As we work in Congress to look at the feasibility of a historical designation for the area, we will also continue to bring together the historical and economic interests with the City of Hartford and State of Connecticut to map out its development.

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