However, it appears that Hamden would not benefit from the former program and it is uncertain whether it would qualify for the latter. If the state determined that Hamden is a responsible party, as now seems likely, the state could order the town to perform the remediation or seek reimbursement for its clean up costs. The Urban Sites program is designed to remediate contaminated parcels that would provide an economic benefit to the state. It is unlikely a middle school would qualify under that aspect of the program. Another possible source of funding is the Urban Action program, which authorizes the issuance of bonds to redirect, improve and expand state activities that promote community conservation and development, and improve the quality of life for urban residents.
Environmental protection is one of the purposes specified in the statute.
You may wish to contact OPM for more information about this funding source. Hamden may also seek financial assistance for the clean up through a special act, or apply for aid under the federal Superfund program. The Hamden Middle School, which opened in 1957, was built on land used as a dump in the 1940s. Soil samples taken at the school site this fall found high levels of lead and carcinogens. The law permits DEP to take remedial action at a contaminated site, and to seek reimbursement of the costs.