Carpino, Bransfield Testify in Support of Improvements to Portland’s Air Line Trail

Hartford – State Representative Christie Carpino (Cromwell/Portland) and Portland First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield testified before the legislature’s Government Administration and Election Committee in support of the conveyance of property to the Town of Portland. They were joined by Air Line Trail Steering Committee co-chair, and Portland resident, Lou Pear.

“This is a creative measure that will encourage the recreational use of the Air Line Trail and promote tourism in Portland and Middlesex County,” explained Rep. Carpino. “This conveyance will give Portland the opportunity to create a trail head and renovate a historic railroad depot building.”

First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield said, “I would like to thank Representative Carpino for her strong support of the Air Line Trail in Portland. Along with the Air Line Trail Committee, she is working hard to create an outstanding tourist destination for the entire region. We are very grateful!”

According to testimony provided by Lou Pear, “This property is a portion of the old Air Line that is currently being rejuvenated into a multi-use recreational trail between Portland and Putnam. As co-chair and member of the Portland Air Line trail steering committee it is my hope as well as that of our committee members to rehabilitate the depot for public use and restore the trail bed area to offer passive recreational opportunities.”

The Town of Portland has previously been awarded a grant through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protections (DEEP) to complete local renovations to the Air Line Trail. According to Bransfield, those improvements should be complete by the Fall of 2017, and will connect the trail seamlessly to East Hampton.

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