Donations through the Decades- East Lyme Public Trust Foundation

Donations through the Decades- East Lyme Public Trust Foundation

The History of the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation would not be complete without a review of the donations that the Foundation has made to the town of East Lyme. This is the first in a series of articles reviewing those donations.

Funding to build the Boardwalk

In 1995, The East Lyme Public Trust Foundation began its work on providing East Lyme with a 1.2 mile boardwalk. For the next 10 years, until the first dedication, the members spent innumerable hours to make this dream a reality. When the first Dedication occurred in 2005, the Foundation had provided four major donations to the Town:

The Foundation had obtained all federal and state environmental permits and requirements needed to design and build the Boardwalk. In addition, the Foundation had arranged for the acquisition of Amtrak Beach and the adjacent land parcels on which to construct the Boardwalk. This property was then valued at $2.1 million market value.

Furthermore, The Foundation obtained the preliminary design drawings, a land survey, geotechnical testing, and preliminary specifications needed to create the Boardwalk.

Finally, the Foundation applied for and received $3.8 million in Federal/State grant monies. ( $1.5million=State Bonds; $2.3 million= Federal ISTEA grant)

To bring this project to completion, the Foundation had arranged for land acquisitions and grants for an astonishing $5.9 million in addition to the incalculable worth of the hours needed to obtain permits, drawing, tests, and specifications. This donation to the town from a private organization is an enduring example of what a small group of citizens can achieve with leadership and perseverance.

The Foundation donated over $6 million to build the Boardwalk!

Photo1: Karen Gallo

Photo2: Joe Lanza