First Selectman Michael J. Freda announced today that on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, the Department of Public Works and its contractor broke ground on the construction of its new Sanitation Garage. The Department was prompted to build a new garage in response to the termination of their 25 plus year lease on a Grasso Avenue facility, which houses its Sanitation and Recycling personnel and equipment.

The new garage is being erected at 110 Elm Street where the Department of Public Works' Streets and Roads offices, Parks and Vehicle Maintenance personnel, and equipment reside. The new structure will be used to store Sanitation and Recycling vehicles and aid in the consolidation of the Department's operations personnel overall.

The funding for the project totals $710,000. The project was proposed as part of a larger Capital Bonding Package that was approved through public referendum vote on January 24, 2012. “By constructing the project on Town land and owning the facility outright, the project will effectively pay for itself in 20 years,” stated First Selectman Freda.  “Given the proposed facility's useful life of 50 years or more, the Town will reap considerable savings in future years by eliminating an ongoing lease payment,” added   Freda.

Construction of the five thousand square foot structure has been awarded to the Pat Munger Construction Company of Branford through the State's Capital Region Council of Governments EZIQC bid program.  The current construction schedule includes general construction of the structure, associated utilities, retaining wall, paving and associated line striping. The project is expected to conclude on or before August 31, 2012.

“The ability to consolidate all operations personnel and equipment at a single location will greatly aid in the cohesiveness of the Field Operations Division, which will in turn better support the Town’s infrastructure needs” said Public Works Director  Lynn K. Sadosky.

Further information regarding the plans and progress of the Public Works Sanitation Garage may be obtained by contacting the Department of Public Works at (203) 239-5321, extension 401.