State Preservation Grant Awarded For Land In Southington

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday announced that the state is awarding $9.1 million to support grants for 24 communities in the purchase of 2,466 acres of land that will be designated as open space.

A parcel in Southington is included.

The grants are authorized under the state’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and assists local governments, land trusts, and water companies in purchasing land to protect open space.

The program is intended to protect wildlife habitats, offer recreational opportunities, and serve as a buffer and adaptation to climate change. Recipient projects are required to supplement the state funding with matching funds or other grants, and the land being purchased must be protected by a conservation and public recreation easement that will ensure the property is forever protected for public use and enjoyment.

In Southington, land on School Street and Marion Avenue. The project, sponsored by the town of Southington, received $82,600. The total area is 5.5 acres and the project involves the acquisition of twp separate parcels in a residential area in Southington. A tributary of Judd Brook runs across the parcels from west to east. Three acres of wetlands are found within the 2 parcels. Within 700 feet of the easternmost parcel is an 8-acre undeveloped wetland area that is adjacent to 170 acres of town owned open space. The town reported potential to secure an addition 7 acres within the corridor. A 1-acre field on the property is suitable for haying. The parcel is approximately 3 miles from downtown Southington.