Rep. Buchsbaum, Southbury Legislative Delegation Tout Funding Allocation to Southbury for Library Repairs

HARTFORD—State Representatives Jason Buchsbaum (R-69) and Arnie Jensen (R-131) applauded a $350,000 grant-in-aid to the Town of Southbury approved today by the State Bond Commission for repairs and renovations to the Southbury Library.

The work is necessary due to the catastrophic flooding approximately one year ago. The Southbury Library has been closed since that time, with services currently being offered out of a rented space at the Heritage Hotel.

“The library provides significant resources to the Southbury and surrounding communities with vibrant programming and services; therefore, this restoration is critical,” said Rep. Buchsbaum. “Prior to serving as State Representative, I served nearly a decade on the Southbury Board of Selectmen and worked closely with the library as a liaison to their Board of Trustees. Like many other families, my family has felt the tremendous loss of this community resource, and with the help of these funds we look forward to it reopening soon.”

“The floods took a toll on many beloved institutions last summer. But, like always, our community has rallied to get back on its feet. The Southbury Library and its supporters have done incredible work offering services off-site since last year. This funding will help get the library back into their building, and we can’t wait to see it,” said Rep. Jensen.

State Sen. Eric Berthel (R-Watertown) called the Southbury Public Library a cornerstone of the community that serves thousands of residents each year as a hub for learning, work, and connection.

“This funding will allow the town to repair critical infrastructure and restore the library to full operation,” said Sen. Berthel. “Right now, salvaged books are being stored in a nearby hotel just to keep services going. That stopgap highlights how urgently this investment is needed. With 20 local residents employed there and doors open nearly 3,000 hours each year, this project represents the type of lasting, high-impact investment taxpayers deserve. Thank you to the Governor and the Bond Commission for approving this critical funding for Southbury.”

The Town of Southbury is underway on an approximate $1.4 million restoration.  FEMA has approved various amounts of reimbursement for the repairs. Reps. Buchsbaum and Jensen say the $350,000 grant awarded today will cover the balance of the costs after FEMA reimbursement.

The allocation was approved unanimously at the August 1 special Commission meeting at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

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