Milford Doesn't Want $9 Million State Grant: Here's Why

MILFORD, CT — Thanks but no thanks was the message that Milford's lawmakers told members of the state's Finance Revenue and Bonding Commission on Friday. The tug of war between Milford and the state Department of Energy and Environment Protection continues over approved upgrades to Silver Sands Park costing $9.1 million, the Connecticut Post reports.

The state is insisting Milford take the funds from the state for the project, and Milford officials and residents want no part of it.

"No one wants this project and the state of Connecticut cannot afford it," Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, said late last year.

"Milford residents have been unified and vocal in their opposition to the buildout of Silver Sands," Slossberg said late last year.. "They have raised numerous concerns about the project, but those concerns have not been resolved, and in many cases never acknowledged."

The funding will be used to construct a bath house building, lifeguard and staff office, concession building, and a maintenance facility, Patch previously reported.

But the real source of contention is that if the planned upgrades go through, Milford residents would have to pay to access the park, which they currently don't have to. Instead of having free access to Silver Sands residents will pay $9.57 on weekdays and about $14 on weekends Also officials are worried that the park upgrades will force more cars onto neighboring streets as people look to avoid paying.

State officials pushed back again on Friday and insisted the project is moving forward and it's too late to stop it, the Post adds.

Read the full Connecticut Post story here.