Rell recommends funds for Pleasure Beach - The Connecticut Post Online

Rell recommends funds for Pleasure Beach - The Connecticut Post Online: "HARTFORD — More than three years after lawmakers proposed $13.5 million to end Pleasure Beach's isolation and reconnect it to either Bridgeport or Stratford, Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Friday announced that she will recommend a $150,000 study of the issue. Rell said the item will be on the Aug. 4 agenda of the State Bond Commission."

A ConnPost editorial: Sale makes sense on Stratford beach - The Connecticut Post Online

A ConnPost editorial: Sale makes sense on Stratford beach - The Connecticut Post Online: "The town of Stratford should approve the sale of Long Beach West to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It's the best plan for everyone involved. It's been a long haul to reach this point, but the community has a genuine opportunity. The objections are hard to pin down, but they seem to revolve around unfounded fears that the beach's federal caretakers would exclude people for the benefit of wildlife, and that access would be significantly curbed. Those fears are misguided."

Commentary: Put Army Base On New Britain Brownfield -- Courant.com

Commentary: Put Army Base On New Britain Brownfield -- Courant.com: "It seems everyone has gotten the message about smart growth planning these days — except the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Army's attempts to locate a new reserve training center in Middletown have gone from one bad site to another. Unless someone intervenes, this will be a disaster." Catherine Johnson is an architect and planner based in Middletown.

Local school is going 'green' with solar | The Republican-American

Local school is going 'green' with solar | The Republican-American: "Region 7 has received a $1.7 million state grant that will bring solar power to the Northwestern Regional School campus in Winsted."

Report shows Long Island Sound Healthier -- Newsday.com

Report shows Long Island Sound Healthier -- Newsday.com: "HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)_ An annual report on the health of Long Island Sound points to several success stories in the concerted efforts to improve the body of water that provides recreation for many and a living for many others.

Sound Health 2008, the annual report of the Long Island Sound Study, outlines steps that have been and are being taken to protect the Sound.

The report also points to significant issues that require the attention of state and federal environmental agencies, according to Robert W. Varney, regional administrator for the federal Environmental Protection Agency's New England region.

The EPA produced the report in conjunction with its partners in the study, including state environmental agencies in New York and Connecticut."

City plans public meeting on polluted school site - NewsTimes.com

City plans public meeting on polluted school site - NewsTimes.com: "DANBURY -- In the month since the city announced the site of the new Roberts Street elementary school was polluted by 'historic urban fill' -- rubble that contained unacceptable levels of lead, arsenic, mercury and other chemicals -- the public response has been muted. 'We really haven't gotten a call,' Antonio Iadarola,Public Works director, said this week."

Rell announces farm aid at Bristol orchard | The Bristol Press

Rell visits Rogers Orchards to announce farm aid | The Bristol Press: "SOUTHINGTON - Gov. M. Jodi Rell visited Rogers Orchards Thursday to announce the expected approval of $500,000 for the farm reinvestment program, which helps farmers get ahead. Flanked by Department of Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli, and backed by hundreds of fruit trees at the popular family farm, Rell said she expected the State Bond Commission to approve the funding at its meeting Aug. 4."

Area in line for $2M in funding from bond | New Haven Register

Area in line for $2M in funding from bond | New Haven Register: "The Aug. 4 session of the State Bond Commission includes $2 million in funding for projects that could benefit Greater New Haven.

Two of four funding items on the agenda would benefit Hamden. One is $750,000 for the Highwood Square project for artists' housing on Dixwell Avenue while another calls for $250,000 to create a fueling station in town for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The third item is $500,000 to replenish a fund available for the state Department of Agriculture's farm reinvestment program."

Purple martins are our friends - NewsTimes.com

Purple martins are our friends - NewsTimes.com: "We are used to thinking of humans and wildlife in opposition, with people always intruding and degrading the flora and fauna. But in the case of the purple martin, it's a different problem altogether. We're not being hospitable enough."

Grant Possible For Town -- Courant.com

Grant Possible For Town -- Courant.com: "SIMSBURY — - The town is expected to receive $350,000 to preserve the Meadow Wood property as open space when the State Bond Commission meets Aug. 4. The funding will help with the purchase of 75 acres that connect Great Pond State Park and the McLean Game Refuge and it will provide a continuous corridor of preserved open space in the town."

Healing The Sound: Report Cites Dangers And Success Stories -- Courant.com

Healing The Sound: Report Cites Dangers And Success Stories -- Courant.com: "A warmer climate, sprawling development and gender-bending chemicals in everyday consumer goods threaten the generally improving health of Long Island Sound, according to a new report. Sound Health 2008, the annual report of the Long Island Sound Study released this week, also points to numerous success stories — expanding shellfish and eelgrass beds, thriving striped bass and ospreys — that are the consequence of decades of effort to mitigate the effects of a growing human population."

Recreation - Bicyclists Contend That State Slights Them - NYTimes.com

Recreation - Bicyclists Contend That State Slights Them - NYTimes.com: "ALMOST hidden in the fine print on the state’s official map of its best and most scenic bicycling routes is this warning: “Connecticut’s roads were not designed for bicycle touring, and it is important to note that any inclusion of a route on this map does not certify it to be a safe bicycling route. Use of these routes is at your own risk.”"

For the Hard Core, Two Wheels Beat Four - NYTimes.com

For the Hard Core, Two Wheels Beat Four - NYTimes.com: "Once limited to dense urban environments, bike commuting has found a small but devoted following in the New York City suburbs. While there have been no formal studies of the trend, transportation experts and cycling advocates say the number of suburban bike commuters (in the U.S.) is growing."

Long Beach Sale Remains In Play | Stratford Star

Long Beach Sale Remains In Play | Stratford Star: "Thursday's night's public hearing on the proposal to sell Long Beach West was held, it having survived a move by the council to terminate negotiations during a special meeting Monday."

CNG Told To Give Customers Refunds As Credits -- Courant.com

CNG Told To Give Customers Refunds As Credits -- Courant.com: "Connecticut Natural Gas customers are set to receive credits of up to $9.25 on their monthly bills, a refund ordered because the utility earned at least $15.5 million more than allowed by state regulators."

Blumenthal Praises DPUC Draft Decision Granting Request To Decrease CNG Rates

Attorney General Praises DPUC Draft Decision Granting Request To Decrease CNG Rates: "Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today praised a Department of Public Utility Control's (DPUC) draft decision that would grant his request to immediately order a $15.5 million rate decrease by Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG)."

Blumenthal Proposes CT-NY Commission On Environment And Energy At Regional Energy Summit

Attorney General: Attorney General, At Regional Energy Summit, Proposes CT-NY Commission On Environment And Energy: "Attorney General Richard Blumenthal -- attending a 'Regional Energy Summit' on Long Island -- announced a landmark proposal to create a Connecticut-New York commission to establish a consensus on environmental and energy needs."

Grant to improve open space parcel | Pictorial Gazette

Grant to improve open space parcel | Pictorial Gazette: "The area in question is a 7-acre open space area south of Route 1 in Westbrook. Purchased by Westbrook in late 2004, Salt Island Overlook is an elevated coastal forest region that looks out onto Salt Island. Since the time of its purchase, the Conservation Commission has tried to raise money to rid the land of invasive trees and vines, all of which make access to the property difficult."

East Windsor hosts annual 'CSI in the Wild' | Windsor Locks Journal

East Windsor hosts annual 'CSI in the Wild' | Windsor Locks Journal: "The International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) held the academy last week at the Flaherty Field Trial Area on Tromley Road, East Windsor. The program was sponsored by the Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association, in cooperation with the state Department of Environmental Protection and the state Environmental Conservation Police."

Recycling goals discussed at meeting | The Kent Good Times Dispatch

Recycling goals discussed at meeting | The Kent Good Times Dispatch: "A handful of Kent business owners and town officials gathered at the town hall Wednesday morning to hear a presentation by Mary Ann Remolador, assistant director of the Northeast Recycling Council, on the benefits of recycling. She later met individually with business people interested in learning more about recycling."

Gas company receives bad news from Conn. DPUC | LegalNewsline

Gas company receives bad news from Conn. DPUC | LegalNewsline: "HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Natural Gas may be ordered to return more than $15 million in alleged overearnings, partly thanks to the efforts of state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. Blumenthal's continual criticism of CNG's rates may have paid off with Friday's draft decision by the state's Department of Public Utility Control, which says CNG should give line item credits to consumers."

On-Site Turf Testing Appears Headed for Fall Start-Up - Westport News

On-Site Turf Testing Appears Headed for Fall Start-Up - Westport News: "Three state agencies are planning to commission on-site health and environmental-risk assessments of synthetic turf playing fields in Connecticut. Representatives of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) began meeting last month to define the scope of the turf study after it was learned that necessary funding for the study would be available."

Being Green Is Getting Easier - Westport News

Being Green Is Getting Easier - Westport News: "Living a 'green' lifestyle, one that poses minimal damage to the earth, has never been easier than it is today. Products that sustain the modern standard of living -- air conditioners, refrigerators, light bulbs and automobiles -- now have energy-efficient counterparts that make reducing one's carbon footprint exponentially easier."

Giving Farms a Shot in the Arm - Fulvio Cativo | Greater New Britain

Giving Farms a Shot in the Arm - Fulvio Cativo | Greater New Britain: "Gov. M. Jodi Rell stopped by Rogers Orchards in Southington Friday to announce that $500,000 for the farm reinvestment program are expected to be approved when the state bond commission meets next month. The program will help farmers in Connecticut expand or improve their operations as part of a 10-year plan. Farmers can apply for matching grants up to $40,000 on a first-come, first-serve basis."

State to reinvest in farms | StamfordPlus.com News -

StamfordPlus.com News - State to reinvest in farms: "During a visit to Rogers Orchards in Southington today, Governor M. Jodi Rell announced that $500,000 for the farm reinvestment program is expected to be approved by the State Bond Commission at its meeting on August 4.

The funds will help working farmers across the state expand or improve their operations as part of a 10-year business plan. The program offers matching grants of up to $40,000 that will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Now more than ever, our investment in Connecticut farms is critical to sustaining our food supply,” Governor Rell said. “Grocery bills are getting higher all the time as gas and diesel prices rise. It makes good economic sense for families to take advantage the quality products produced right here on Connecticut farms.”

Department of Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli said grants will be awarded to farms that have sound long-range programs. Farmers approved for the program must either match or exceed the grant amount and have one year to complete their projects.

“We need to keep our farms viable,” Commissioner Prelli said. “For such a small state, agriculture is big business and contributes more than $2 billion a year to Connecticut’s economy.”

The diversity of Connecticut agriculture has been essential to its sustainability over the years. There are fewer farms, but the ones remaining are larger. Part-time farmers make up one of the fastest growing segments and have become increasingly diverse.

According to the most recent state Agriculture statistics, Connecticut is:

· No. 1 in New England in nursery and greenhouse sales; pear production, milk production per cow; cut Christmas tree sales; aquaculture; tobacco acreage; and egg-laying chickens per square mile.

· No. 1 in the U.S. in density of horses and egg-laying hens

· In top 10 in U.S. in oysters

· In top 20 in U.S. in pears, maple trees, wild blueberries, tobacco production

The reinvestment program has helped Connecticut farmers expand dairy operations, add and renovate greenhouses, build fruit packing facilities, upgrade processing plants and maple sugar operations.

“Connecticut farmers have faced tough economic times for decades,” Governor Rell said. “But they are resilient and resourceful and we are so grateful for that. We owe it to them and to future farming generations to keep programs like this available.”

State seeking more fuel-efficient fleet, but must wait for green light | TheDay.com

State seeking more fuel-efficient fleet, but must wait for green light | TheDay.com: "The state wants to add more hybrids and traditional high-mileage, gasoline-powered compact cars to its vehicle fleet in order to bump up fuel efficiency. Before it can take that step, though, it needs clearance from the U.S. Department of Energy."

Middletown Council Expected To Oppose Site For Training Base -- Courant.com

Middletown Council Expected To Oppose Site For Training Base -- Courant.com: "MIDDLETOWN — - The $90 million, 273,000-square-foot Army Reserve training base slated for the Westfield section would overwhelm the residential neighborhood, destroy the natural habitat and cause serious flooding and traffic problems, a proposed common council resolution asserts."

Commission to protect Sound proposed - The Connecticut Post Online

Commission to protect Sound proposed - The Connecticut Post Online: "State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal proposed Thursday that Connecticut and New York form a regional commission that would work to protect portions of the Sound and also find the best way to meet both state's energy needs."

NY and Conn. agree to form regional energy panel -- Newsday.com

NY and Conn. agree to form regional energy panel -- Newsday.com: "New York and Connecticut political leaders agreed yesterday to form a bi-state panel of 15 to 20 people to plan regional energy needs. But there was no agreement at the two-hour 'summit' in Hauppauge on the biggest item of contention between the states: the proposed new Islander East natural gas pipeline from Canada through Connecticut to Long Island."

Passionate factions debate Long Beach West - The Connecticut Post Online

Passionate factions debate Long Beach West - The Connecticut Post Online: "STRATFORD — For the second time in four nights a raucous crowd of about 150 people packed Town Council Chambers deeply divided over whether the town should sell its waterfront property, the 35-acre Long Beach West to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

AUDIO: Which State Has More Bald Eagles, New Hampshire or Vermont? | New Hampshire Public Radio

AUDIO: Which State Has More Bald Eagles, New Hampshire or Vermont? | New Hampshire Public Radio: "A friendly rivalry exists on each side of the Connecticut. Residents in the Green Mountain and Granite States love to compare the two. But when it comes to nesting pairs of bald eagles, there’s no contest. The Vermont Standard’s Kevin Forrest reports."

Homeowners get help | The Bristol Press

Homeowners get help | The Bristol Press: "Rell said a new $5-million program will provide rebates for homeowners who replace their old furnaces with efficient new ones and another $2 million will provide loans for those seeking to pay for other energy-conservation improvements."

Connecticut Water Co. To Buy Water Business In Ellington -- Courant.com

Connecticut Water Co. To Buy Water Business In Ellington -- Courant.com: "The Connecticut Water Co. says it plans to buy a small water company in Ellington for nearly $1.5 million. Family-owned Ellington Acres Co., which provides water service to about 750 customers in Ellington, has signed an agreement to sell all of its shares to Connecticut Water. The deal requires approval from state regulators."

New life for old shellfish beds off Westport - The Advocate

New life for old shellfish beds off Westport - The Advocate: "WESTPORT - For Jay Grayson, nothing tops the briny taste of a fresh-caught clam dug up in Cockenoe Flats, a relaxing walk from his home overlooking Long Island Sound."

Fairfield Minuteman - For Rell, a bird in the hand is worth ...

Fairfield Minuteman - For Rell, a bird in the hand is worth ...: "In her quest to promote the state's vacation options, Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell stopped by Fairfield's Audubon Center on Friday.
Greeted by a group of campers attending the center and joined by Fairfield First Selectman Ken Flatto and Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, Rell got a chance to see and touch some of the center's inhabitants, becoming quite friendly with Milton, a barn owl."

Glastonbury Hopes To Buy Former Arbor Acres Land -- Courant.com

Glastonbury Hopes To Buy Former Arbor Acres Land -- Courant.com: "GLASTONBURY — - Sixty years after the Saglio Brothers formed Arbor Acres and produced a chicken that grocers called the 'chicken of tomorrow,' the town is looking to purchase what remains of the abandoned chicken farm."

The Orange Bulletin - Farm Fresh in your own backyard

The Orange Bulletin - Farm Fresh in your own backyard: "Here in the Amity communities of Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge we are very fortunate to have many farm stands to choose our fresh produce from. Some of these stands are only open for a few months while others have incorporated the colder months into their production."

Wind Power for Bishop’s? - Guilford Courier

Wind Power for Bishop’s? - Guilford Courier: "Rocketing energy costs have the Bishop families exploring a renewable energy source hovering high above their orchards–wind power."

East Hartford Gazette - State to provide $4M for town dike repair

target=_new>East Hartford Gazette - State to provide $4M for town dike repair: "Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced Thursday that $4 million for repairing East Hartford's system of dikes and levees is expected to be approved when the State Bond Commission meets August 4."

Conn. AG proposes new environment-energy panel -- Courant.com

Conn. AG proposes new environment-energy panel -- Courant.com: "HARTFORD, Conn. - Connecticut's attorney general proposed Thursday that a commission be formed to protect parts of Long Island Sound from development and find the best ways to meet the region's energy needs."

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Plymouth trash plan to go to voters | The Bristol Press

Plymouth trash plan to go to voters | The Bristol Press: "PLYMOUTH - The town made its case for curbside trash pickup to a group of citizens at Tuesday's public hearing. Public comment on the subject was mixed."

Gold miner's son seeks energy refuge in solar | Journal Inquirer

Gold miner's son seeks energy refuge in solar | Journal Inquirer: "WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has found a refuge in the nation's preoccupation with record energy prices. While the push by President Bush and congressional Republicans for more oil drilling is resonating with voters, the Nevada Democrat is focused on solar and other renewable energy sources, which happen to be more abundant in his home state than almost anywhere else in the country."

Sports complex could scuttle oil depot plan - The Advocate

Sports complex could scuttle oil depot plan - The Advocate: "NORWALK - The controversial plan to build an oil depot in South Norwalk has been sidelined by an indoor sports complex."

Forest fire danger rising in CT - The Connecticut Post Online

Forest fire danger rising in CT - The Connecticut Post Online: "The state Department of Environment Protection has raised the forest fire danger level to 'moderate' this week owing to the dry spell we're in. The fire danger had been lists as 'low' in the last few weeks. Meanwhile, the town of East Lyme has declared a water emergency, and has ordered town residents not to water lawns nor wash their cars. However, there is rain in the forecast over the next three days."

Law expands agriculture programs - NewsTimes.com

Law expands agriculture programs - NewsTimes.com: "A new state law ensures high school students better access to 19 programs that teach aquaculture, animal and plant science, agricultural mechanics, agribusiness, food science, biotechnology and the environment."

Former Official Claims Bush Administration Ordered EPA Head to Block Emissions Request -- Courant.com

Former Official Claims Bush Administration Ordered EPA Head to Block Emissions Request -- Courant.com: "WASHINGTON — - A former Environmental Protection Agency official on Tuesday contradicted EPA administrator Stephen Johnson's congressional testimony on one of the administration's key global warming decisions, saying the White House ordered Johnson to block California's bid to regulate vehicles' tailpipe emissions."

Leaky Dam Makes Ely Pond Too Shallow -- Courant.com

Leaky Dam Makes Ely Pond Too Shallow -- Courant.com: "Avon / West Hartford Line -- Ely Pond was created in the early 1900s after the Jones family farmhouse burned because of a lack of water to fight the fire. A dam was built in a meadow, producing the 20-plus acre pond. Arnold Chase, who owns it and the surrounding area says the pond was filled this spring, but the dam has been leaking, and the pond loses more water to evaporation and drought."