State Rep. Dorinda Borer (D-115) last week announced that West Haven will receive a $10,000 United Illuminating grant to plant trees within the city.
Borer, a member of the legislature’s Environment Committee advocated for the grant, and was excited for planting to begin.
“I am delighted that West Haven has been chosen for this exciting program. The purpose of the grant is to help enhance the landscape of our beautiful city, promote a cleaner environment and support economics by encompassing the business areas in the plan,” she said.
As part of the grant program, UI will also provide guidance to ensure trees are planted such that they won’t interfere with overhead electric lines, potentially causing hazards and outages during storms.
“This UI grant program recognizes the important role that trees play in fostering an attractive urban landscape, maintaining a good quality of life and supporting economic development,” said Al Carbone, UI manager of government and community relations. “We’re pleased to have this opportunity to help make West Haven an even better place to live, work and do business.”
“I want to thank the United Illuminating company (UI) for choosing West Haven for this great program that will result in the planting of trees throughout our community. We look forward to partnering with the UI on this city-wide project. Trees provide many benefits to the community and the environment; and these new chosen tree species will be strategically placed and will help in our ongoing efforts in beautifying our city,” said Mayor Nancy R. Rossi.
City Tree Warden Leo Kelly said the program will be beneficial to the city residents at large.
“For many years the residents of the City of West Haven have enjoyed the public health, social, environmental and economic benefits that trees provide to our community. As our Urban forest matures and trees become susceptible to the stressors of insects, disease and storm related damage it becomes the role of the Tree Warden, not only to address these issues, but look ahead to the future so that the West Haven Community will continue to enjoy and benefit from what a healthy tree canopy will provide city residents for years to come. The UI grant will allow the City of West Haven to begin the process of planning and planting selected tree species in areas in and around our City Center that will become part of our Urban Landscape for future generations,” said Kelly.
Planning for specific types of trees and exact locations is currently underway.
“Leo is an expert on species, location opportunities and benefits, so we will leave that in the very capable hands of our Tree Warden,” Rep. Borer said.