State officials are preparing for a potential dust-up Tuesday morning at the State Bond Commission over Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s plans for a new, $70 million public health laboratory in Rocky Hill.
Local Democrats in Rocky Hill say they haven’t had enough time to analyze the state-of-the-art facility, which will allow testing for anthrax and various other bio-hazardous materials. Some are hoping that the five Democratic members of the bond commission will oppose the plan, thus postponing the proposal for the moment.
The new lab, to be built near the state veterans home and Dinosaur State Park, would replace the current one at 10 Clinton Street in Hartford.
While the lack of public scrutiny has been raised as an issue, insiders say that the real problem is over whether union workers will be able to perform all jobs on the work site. With the controversy swirling in the air, the governor’s office sent out 24 pages of background to the bond commission members on the project.
With the weak economy, state officials expect that the laboratory can be built for $12 million less than expected. The lab would be built on 22 acres and have parking for 200 cars.
A letter, dated July 19, 2007, shows that Rocky Hill Town Manager Barbara Gilbert was informed more than two years ago about the details of the state’s plans.
“We are looking forward to our move to Rocky Hill, and we sincerely hope to be good neighbors and welcome members of your community,” state public health administrator Elise Kremer wrote to Gilbert in a one-page letter.
Rell publicly announced 11 days ago that the Bond Commission was expected to approve the lab that will test for viral, fungal, biological, and parasitic diseases, as well as checking for drinking water quality.
The Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Legislative Office Building.