Stratford Star

DeLauro, senators announce new process for Engine Plant sale

Written by John Kovach
Wednesday, 25 January 2012 16:43

A new process will be used to attempt to revitalize the former Stratford Army Engine Plant.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3rd District), Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (U) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D) joined Mayor John A. Harkins in announcing the process after a meeting last week.

“After years of fits and starts, this office stands ready to work in partnership with our federal delegation, the Army, GSA, and the governor’s office to bring a successful redevelopment project to the Stratford Army Engine Plant site,” Harkins said. “I’d like to especially thank Rep. Rosa DeLauro for facilitating a productive meeting last week in her Washington office with all of the various stakeholders on this project. I look forward to working with the group on a successful redevelopment that will result in much-needed jobs for Stratford, and our state.”

DeLauro and Connecticut’s Senators sent a letter to the U.S. Army and the General Services Administration (GSA) establishing the new process, which will include a 30-day period during which developers can submit proposals and a 30- to 60-day period for the Army and GSA to determine if they have received a feasible plan, at which point they would be empowered to negotiate a deal with an identified suitable developer.

“This new process seeks to bring about a solution that satisfies the concerns of all parties involved and brings to an end 17 years of disagreements and failed attempts to redevelop the Stratford Army Engine Plant site,” according to a release sent through DeLauro’s office.

The letter reads: “We believe that we are in agreement in recognizing that the bidding process pursued in recent years has not achieved the desired result: Sale of the property to a developer that takes over ownership of the property from the Federal government and, most importantly, develops the property in a manner that benefits the people and Town of Stratford,” the letter states. “In addition, we are in agreement on the best way forward to meet that goal in a timely fashion.”

“Ultimately, all involved parties must work together with a viable developer to ensure the resources are available to remediate and develop the site. We look forward to continuing our work with you to ensure this process is successful and that our shared goals are met,” the letter concludes.

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