Stratford Lawmakers Applaud State Bond Commission Approval of State $$ for Fletcher Museum and Raymark Site Cleanup

Rep. Laura Dancho, Sen. Herron Gaston, Rep. Joe Gresko, Sen. Kevin Kelly, and Rep. Ben McGorty today applauded the State Bond Commission’s Oct. 22 approval of significant funding for two important Stratford projects.

The panel approved a $2 million award for African American Collections, Inc., Stratford, which will rehabilitate the Sterling Homestead for the relocation of the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum, as well as $1.5 million to remediate hazardous waste at the Raymark superfund cleanup site.

“Working on this project with Jeffrey Fletcher over the past few years has been a pleasure,” Rep. Gresko said. “Moving the Fletcher African American Museum to the heart of Stratford’s historic district is a great success. Everyone who worked on this project should be proud.”

“It’s wonderful news,” Sen. Kelly said, “The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum is the first museum of its kind in New England. Stratford is very blessed to have this impactful and provocative museum right here in our town which shares both difficult and empowering pieces of our nation’s history. This is also considerable progress for the Raymark site cleanup. All people deserve a clean and safe environment, and this remains a top priority for our bipartisan delegation, town and region. I thank the entire Stratford delegation for working as a team in advocating consistently for this worthy project, and I thank the governor for recognizing the long-term value of these significant state investments.”

“The museum is more than just a collection of artifacts, it provides a rich history and is a testament to the resilience, achievements, and contributions of African Americans. I am deeply proud this funding will work to support the continued rehabilitation of relocating the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum,” said Sen. Gaston. “I am also grateful to the State Bond Commission for approval of funds to help remediate hazardous waste at the Raymark superfund cleanup site. Exposure to this waste can cause serious health problems and with the proper management and care, the cleanup of this site will ensure a safer environment for future generations.”

“It is incredibly important that this funding injection benefit the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum. This space does an excellent job at illustrating a notable and troubling part of our nation’s history. This state grant will be integral in maintaining the Museum’s commitment to educating further generations,” Rep. McGorty said.

Rep. Dancho said, “I am grateful to help secure funding for the Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum that keeps stories, cultures, and history alive in our town and across Connecticut. In line with preserving our community, we also must protect it. That’s why it’s also wonderful to receive support for clean-up initiatives at the Raymark site, protecting our environment, public health needs, and local concerns. A big thanks to the Stratford Delegation, the Governor’s office, and the Bonding Commission for bringing attention to our needs.”