The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) announced that all state parks and forests are open for the traditional Memorial Day weekend’s start to the summer season with many new features in place. 

At a weekend preview at Rocky Neck State Part in East Lyme, The New Haven Job Corps Carpentry students were recognized for rebuilding the boardwalk at the park that was damaged during Tropical Storm Irene.  Tropical Storm Irene Left the boardwalk at Rocky Neck State Park damaged, and in need of repair.  CT DEEP partnered with the New Haven job Corps to rebuild the boardwalk.  The carpentry students from the New Haven Job Corps Center disassembled, and stacked salvaged boards from about 95 sections of old pressure-treated boardwalk, and constructed new sections of boardwalk using “Trex” material.  They built 1,000 feet of boardwalk.  Job Corps donated over 1100 hours of labor over a 6-month period.

Presenting the students with their recognition was Susan Frechette, Deputy Commissioner of CT DEEP, Paul Formica, First Selectman of East Lyme, and Tom Tyler, Director of Connecticut State Parks.  Each student received a Certificate of Recognition in appreciation for their time and effort in rebuilding the boardwalk signed by Daniel C. Esty, Commissioner of CT DEEP, and personalized letters of “thanks” signed by Dannel P. Malloy, Governor of the state of Connecticut.  The letter read, “Your enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work helped make the beach at Rocky Neck safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for visitors.”  Governor Malloy went on to say, “This project is a tremendous example of all that we can accomplish when state government partners with organizations such as the New Haven Job Corps.  With the help of the entire Job Corps team, we were able to complete the boardwalk repairs in time for the coming park season.”