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Community Corner

O'Neill Recognized by Key Groups for Environmental and Land Preservation Work

HARTFORD- During their 13th Annual meeting at the State Capitol in Hartford, Representative Arthur J. O’Neill (R-69) was recognized by the Working Lands Alliance with their 2013 Legislative Award for shepherding through legislation which will preserve and protect farmland owned by the Southbury Training School, and ensure its continued use for agricultural purposes.

View video of his award acceptance here.

Rep. O’Neill has worked to see various parts of the Training School land preserved over the past 25 years, and this latest significant achievement guarantees the largest portion of it will be preserved and protected.

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“I am very grateful for the recognition from the Working Lands Alliance for this recognition, as well as the numerous people who worked for a number of years on this who have joined me in working very hard to accomplish this,” said Rep. O’Neill.  “The study done by the farmland preservation group identified five major parcels of farmland needing preservation and the Southbury piece was recognized as the largest and maybe most important.  But there are four more pieces needing preservation, and I am hopeful that our work on this parcel can serve as a template to see the other land preserved.”

Public Act 13-90, An Act Concerning the preservation of Farmland at the Southbury Training School, became effective upon the governor’s signature. 

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In addition, O’Neill was also named a 2013 Legislative Champion by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) for his work on the Southbury Training School Land, and his overall record of supporting legislation aimed at protecting land and the environment.

O’Neill’s work also earned him a Congressional Citation from U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty, and recognition from the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition.

About WLA: The Working Lands Alliance was formed in 1999 to protect one of Connecticut’s most valuable and vulnerable resources – our farmland.  A project of American Farmland Trust, WLA is a coalition of individuals, businesses, and organizations united in a common cause of saving the land that sustains us – for our economy, or environment, and the health of our future citizens.

About CTLCV: Formed in 1998, the bipartisan Connecticut League of Conservation Voters works with legislators and environmental leaders in Connecticut.  Their goal is to get sustainable environmental policies enacted at the state level that effect our air, water, wildlife, open space, transportation, energy choices and health.

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