$2.6M In Bonding Approved For Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Grant

NEWTOWN, CT — Connecticut legislators this week approved a state bonding package that will include funding for a $2.6 million grant for the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial, according to officials.

"The State has been very kind and supportive of our community since the tragedy, and I am grateful for this partnership as we near construction on the memorial to remember and honor the precious lives lost that horrible day," said Newtown First Selectman David Rosenthal. "My sincere thanks to Governor [Ned] Lamont, Lt. Governor [Susan] Bysiewicz, Senator [Tony] Hwang, and Representatives [Mitch] Bolinsky, [Raghib] Allie-Brennan and [Tony] Scott and the entire State Legislature for their support of this very important project."

The permanent memorial will honor the 26 lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, and will be built on a five-acre property off Riverside Road in Newtown.

"Securing grant-in-aid to supplement town approved funding for the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial was a successful team effort which will bring to fruition an important tribute which will provide a step forward toward closure and healing from an incredibly emotional time for our community," said Hwang, who serves as the ranking senator on the bonding subcommittee. "I want to give a special acknowledgement to members of the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission volunteers who have diligently and respectfully planned this memorial for the past number of years. I am honored to be a part of a team effort working together for Newtown and Sandy Hook."

Bolinsky, who praised the work done and the bonding commission's generosity, added, "I am truly touched that the Governor and the Speaker of the House thought of us and acted to help us have a place of beauty intended to recall, honor and continue the process of healing, shared by so many in our community. As a delegation, we worked closely to support the issuance of this grant in the spirit intended, with respect, reverence and love."

The full project is expected to cost about $3.7 million, the amount approved by the town's voters this spring. The winning designer was San Francisco, California-based SWA.

"When Newtown voters approved $3.7M for the Sandy Hook memorial construction, I felt it was imperative the state contribute to this worthwhile project," Allie-Brennan said. "I went to House Democratic leadership, the Governor's office, and the Newtown delegation. Thanks to bipartisan cooperation, we are returning taxpayer dollars to support our community's effort to honor the lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School."

Added Scott, "I am deeply appreciative of the bipartisan effort in securing this commitment from the legislature. Thank you to First Selectman Rosenthal, my colleagues and all the volunteers who fought for the inclusion of Newtown in the final bonding package. I eagerly await the final decision of the Governor's Bonding Commission on this beautiful and touching project."