As a follow-up to your article of March 27, the Avery Point Lighthouse Society (APLS) is once again requesting state financial support for an engineering study leading to ultimate complete restoration of the structure at UConn’s Avery Point campus in Groton.  Twice in the past two years, UConn has applied to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) through the Long Island Sound License Plate fund for funding, but both times the request was denied.  Late last month, a new application was submitted by the university to the DEP for consideration in the 1999-2000 state legislative session that ends in late May.

APLS feels very strongly that our structure clearly qualifies for such a grant and that we have not been receiving fair consideration from the state DEP.  We also feel that this action would be very timely in light of our efforts for OpSailCT 2000.  A number of other supporters have recently supported our position in writing, including 13 state legislators, local mayors, councils, and civic organizations, as well as national and regional lighthouse societies.  APLS would like to request that individuals interested in supporting our effort also send a letter by early May to:

Commissioner Arthur J. Rocque, Jr.

Department of Environmental Protection

79 Elm St

Hartford, CT  06106

Tel: (860) 424-3001

Fax: (860) 424-4051

E-mail:  dep.webmaster@po.state.ct.us

URL:  http://dep.state.ct.us

Any individuals interested in participating in APLS as a volunteer or financial sponsor should write to: APLS, c/o 64 Thames St, Groton CT, 06340, email APLS1941@aol.com, or contact one of the APLS co-chairs. 

Steve Gulyas

Jim Streeter

Dale Treadway

APLS Co-chairs