Nearly $10 Million Approved for Repairs at Hammonasset State Park in Madison

The State Bond Commission has approved more than $9.9 million for repairs and construction at Hammonasset State Park in Madison, Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced today.

The funds will be used to construct a new bathhouse, replace two buildings that were significantly damaged and subsequently demolished following Tropical Storm Irene and to replace the Meigs Point Nature Center.

“Hammonasset Beach State Park is Connecticut’s most popular state park with approximately two million visitors enjoying this beautiful destination every year,” Malloy said in a press release. “ We need to invest so we can enjoy our parks now and in the long term.”

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Robert Klee expressed gratitude for the continued support of Gov. Malloy.

Construction at Hammonasset will include the following:

• $7,515,790 for constructing a single building complex to replace two buildings that had to be demolished after suffering significant damage during Tropical Storm Irene. The complex will include a men’s and women’s toilet building, a new concession area, and Environmental Conservation Police/First Aid office, and a storage building for lifeguard equipment.
• $2,389,451 for replacing the old Meigs Point Nature Center with a new facility. The old facility has been deemed to small and impractical to meet expanded programs and public needs. The new Nature Center will be able to accommodate larger school groups and will also be more energy efficient.

“The projects approved today will help ensure that Hammonasset Beach State Park remains a place thousands of families visit each year. Hammonasset draws visitors from around the country and the world, and it is important that we continue to support it,” State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. said in a press release. “The Meigs Point Nature Center has enriched the educations of schoolchildren throughout our state, and I look forward to seeing the work of Ranger Russ and the Friends of Hammonasset continue in the new facility.”

It is estimated by the Office of Policy and Management that 208 jobs will be created or sustained through these two projects.

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