Maloney Announces $2.5 Million in Funding for Weir Farm President’s Budget Includes Funding for Weir Farm Expansion

WILTON/RIDGEFIELD, CT -- Working to enhance environmental conservation and open-space expansion, Congressman Jim Maloney (CT 05) announced today that with his urging the President has included $2.5 million in funding for the Weir Farm National Historic Site in the Administration’s FY 2000 budget.  The funding will be used for the acquisition of 13 additional acres for the Farm and in support of the development of a planned visitor’s center and museum.

“This is great news for Weir Farm,” said Congressman Maloney.  “The Weir Farm National Historic Site is Connecticut’s only national park.  Its expansion is a critical part of our efforts to preserve open space areas in the Fifth District and throughout Connecticut.  The Farm is also a unique cultural resource.”

Working with Senators Lieberman and Dodd, along with local town officials and the National Park Service, Congressman Maloney was instrumental in winning passage of legislation last year authorizing the expansion of Weir Farm.  The FY 2000 funding for Weir Farm is part of the President’s Lands Legacy Initiative.  The funding must get final approval from the House and Senate in the FY 2000 budget process.

Said Sarah Olson, Superintendent at Weir Farm, “Getting the funding in the budget is the first critical step towards preserving the natural environment for future visitors and maintaining the important qualities of the rural landscape that brought J. Alden Weir and other artists to Connecticut.”

Trust for Public Land Regional DIrector Whitney Hatch added, “We are tremendously grateful to President Clinton and Connecticut’s Congressional delegation--especially Congressman Jim Maloney--for securing additional funding for Weir Farm.  The addition of these 13 acres is critical to enhancing the farm’s value as a public
resource.”