Legislators OK $44M for New Middlesex Community College Building

State Rep. Matthew Lesser (D – Middletown) joined colleagues to announce Wednesday that for the state legislature has authorized $44 million for design and construction of a new academic building at Middlesex Community College. It will need to be approved by the state Bonding Commission prior to release.

“I promised my constituents at the beginning of this term that I would do what I could to reduce the overcrowding at Middlesex Community College,” stated Rep. Lesser. “This was a team effort and I am proud of the work we were able to accomplish, which will provide the single biggest investment in Middlesex in a generation.”

Lesser singled out for praise his legislative colleagues in Middlesex County, the Board of Regents of Higher Education, and Rep. Betty Boukus and Sen. Andrea Stillman, chairs of the bonding subcommittee of the Committee on Finance. 

“I particularly want to call out the remarkable efforts of Middlesex President Anna Wasescha, a real force of nature who made the inarguable case that Middlesex’s resources are insufficient to meet rising demand. While this still needs to be approved by the bonding commission, I am hopeful that the arguments made to secure this authorization will help the Bonding Commission approve the item.”

“I want to thank Representative Matt Lesser for his unstinting support of Middlesex Community College, as well as the legislative delegation who supported this initiative, the Board of Regents, Interim President Phil Austin, and the chairs and members of the bonding subcommittee of the Committee on Finance,” said Wasescha. 

“Although we have had very little investment in the physical plant of the college for decades, the prospect of a new building comes at a time when we now know a great deal about designing spaces to promote student success and how to do that in extraordinarily energy-efficient buildings. The timing is perfect. We thank everyone for this vote of confidence in the college and for investing in the future of this community.”

Sen. Danté Bartolomeo (D - Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield and Middletown) shared similar enthusiasm, saying she was, “thrilled to work with Rep. Lesser for this well-deserved investment in quality education. We are putting our support into a school that has proven its record as a valuable asset to our community.” 

"Middlesex Community College offers more than 50 degree and certificate programs, and is a valuable partner in the community," said Sen. Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield). "Unfortunately, the college's infrastructure has been neglected over the years, and I am proud to work with my colleagues to achieve this good investment.”

“I am so pleased that the legislation has had the foresight to provide MXCC with an additional building,” Rep. Joesph Serra (D – Middletown) said. “As my alma mater, this school is close to my heart, and I know it is a great institution that provides a quality education, and that this investment is long overdue.”

Rep. Phil Miller (D- Ivoryton) noted that, “Middlesex Community College is our school and we have students who travel up and down Route 9 and the Saybrook Road every day because they are learning and achieving.  We are making excellent investment in the campus and this bodes well for our future.”

“This is a great thing for the region,” Rep. Tom Vicino (D – Clinton, Killingworth and Westbook) said. “At a time when high education is becoming more and more expensive it is important that we keep community college available and open to anyone who is looking to train for a job, train in a new field, or stay up-to-date in their career field. This new building will help accomplish those goals.”

The bonding item will be available to the bonding committee for approval.