May 28, 2023

BRIDGEPORT — What can the Beardsley Zoo do with an additional $5 million in state funds?

A whole lot, according to point out Rep. Joe Gresko.

“We are wanting to try out to get them more capital for some improvements at the zoo for a new condor show and parking enhancements for the reason that it really is our state’s only zoo and they get a good deal of website visitors — equally college students from throughout the state and also persons from throughout the condition,” claimed Gresko, D-Stratford, who for many years has labored for the Town of Bridgeport as a green energy coordinator.

But in advance of the zoo can plan on any enhancements, a monthly bill making it possible for the condition to difficulty bonds toward advancements at the tourist attraction, released by Gresko, has to pass the Typical Assembly’s finances approach.

Gresko mentioned a similar monthly bill was proposed very last year but failed to go in the legislature, edged out by other legislative priorities. He claimed he is hoping for superior luck this calendar year.

“Unfortunately it failed to make it via the funds method so we are likely to give it an additional shot this calendar year hopefully with the point out becoming a great deal more fiscally steady now and some cash currently being out there for reinvestment for what is 1 of the state’s gems I hope it wold be reconsidered,” Gresko explained.