“Bridgeport is setting the pace and demonstrating how a focus on energy and environmental issues can create jobs, produce clean energy, and revitalize run-down properties.” – DEEP Commissioner Klee
Bridgeport, Conn. (September 23, 2014) – In addressing the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC) this morning, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Robert Klee heralded efforts in Bridgeport to create green jobs, produce clean energy, and revitalize run-down properties. He also promoted moves in the city to further develop and use cleaner modes of transportation.
“Bridgeport is setting the pace and demonstrating how a focus on energy and environmental issues can create jobs, produce clean energy, and revitalize run-down properties,” said Commissioner Klee. “Last month, Mayor Bill Finch and his team took me on a tour of the city. I was impressed by the vast array of green projects, including Eco-Technology Park, which formerly housed run-down properties but is now serving as home to hundreds of jobs and produces over ten million dollars of income annually.”
Commissioner Klee also praised Green Energy Park, an effort in Bridgeport – championed by Mayor Finch – to put 9,000 solar panels and a 2.8Mw fuel cell on an old and unused landfill.
“A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of a solar array on a closed landfill in Hartford,” said Commissioner Klee. “I’m hoping that I’ll have the pleasure of witnessing another landfill conversion in Connecticut soon. Green Energy Park in Bridgeport can create nearly one-hundred jobs. It can power up to 5,000 homes with virtually pollutant free energy, which will help our kids breathe easier. And, it will bring millions of dollars in tax revenue to the city.”
Commissioner Klee added: “Mayor Finch, you are clearly focused on building a better future for your city and its residents."
Bridgeport has also received tremendous support from Governor Malloy at the state level, according to Commissioner Klee, specifically in revitalizing run down properties, developing cleaner energy, and helping the city move toward greener modes of transportation.
“Gov. Malloy has a clear understanding of how important Bridgeport’s sustainable growth is to our state’s future,” said Commissioner Klee. “That’s why he’s committed millions of dollars to cleaning up polluted sites in order to make them economically viable for the future. His innovative energy programs are helping the Park City become a national leader in energy production. And, he’s committed millions to helping Bridgeport build a second train station, which will serve as a catalyst for turning a long neglected area of the city into a bastion for green job creation and clean transportation oriented living.”