Letter to the Editor: Linares Pleased with State Funding, Thanks Those Who Have Helped Preserve ‘The Preserve’

To the Editor:

Jan. 12 was a good day for Essex, Old Saybrook and Westbrook.

On Jan. 12, I was pleased to join with area legislators and environmental advocates to applaud the approval of $2 million in state funding to help finalize and secure the purchase of The Preserve.

A huge amount of credit for this funding goes to Chris Cryder, who has been working to prevent the development of The Preserve for the past decade.

The Trust for Public Land has played a major role, as have Rep. Phil Miller and former Rep. Marilyn Giuliano.

Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Westbrook First Selectman Noel Bishop and Essex First Selectman Norm Needleman also have been strong advocates for this funding

Thanks to the hard work and determination of so many environmental champions in our region, a 1,000-acre plot of forest and swamp land will be protected for future generations to enjoy.

Sincerely,

Art Linares,
Westbrook.

Editor’s Note: The author is the State Senator (R) representing the 33rd Senatorial District, which includes Essex, Old Saybrook and Westbrook (www.senatorlinares.com).