From Science Center To Giant Mural, State Expects To Approve $189 Million For Local Projects

HARTFORD – Improvements to the Connecticut Science Center, a band shell on the Windham Town Green, a bronze statue of Hartford basketball coach Doc Hurley and a suitable space to display the world's largest indoor mural in Winsted are just some of the projects the State Bond Commission is expected to fund at a special meeting on Tuesday.

The panel, which authorizes state borrowing, is poised to approve a total of about $188.6 million in new borrowing. The commission is led by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

Proposals include a $3.1 million grant to the science center, $1 million for planning and improvements to the Connecticut Tennis Center and a $1 million grant to the American Mural Project to assist with development of a venue to display the world's largest indoor mural in Winsted.

In recent years, Republican lawmakers have been highly critical of the commission, saying the cash-strapped state can ill afford to continue funding legislators' pet projects.

Read more: http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-bond-commission-preview-20160711-story.html