We at the Connecticut Air & Space Center are THRILLED to say the least that we've received some very crucial funding towards the very historic 1929 Curtiss Hangar! The CASC will receive $1 million dollars for the crucial restoration needed for the dilapidated hangar. With this, we can essentially create an enclosed structure. A bare bones hangar as it was before to display aircraft and exhibits. But we will certainly be seeking additional funding to bring the building up to the level of excitement and education that we are planning. For those that don't know, the CASC is currently located in Building 6 (Vought R&D Hangar) of the former Allied-Signal / Avco-Lyoming / Chance-Vought / Sikorsky factory. The property is still owned by the US Army and has a strict 18 years old policy. Moreover we haven't been allowed to renovate our current location to make enough room to actually assemble our aircraft. With this new annex, the CASC will solve two of its largest problems. Assembling our aircraft for inside and outside display, and be accessible to kids. It's fitting that in this year, the 20th anniversary of the Connecticut Air & Space Center, that we plan for the next great phase of this organization. Onwards and upwards!
Restoration of the old Curtiss Hangar at Sikorsky Airport and upgrades at Sterling House Community Center will be able to go forward after the town received $1.5 million in state funding this week.
The State Bond Commission approved the funding at its meeting on Sept. 19. The bond commission approved $1 million for the Connecticut Aerospace Hall of Fame and museum and $510,000 for improvements at Sterling House.
“I’m proud of the hard work by our Stratford [legislative] team to secure this funding,” said Rep. Joe Gresko, D-121. “This third installment of funds for Sterling House further upgrades this critical facility and the Connecticut Air and Space museum celebrating Stratford’s aviation history will bring tourist activity and benefits.”
Rep. Phil Young, D-120, mentioned the importance for the Sterling House funding. “Sterling House is such an important safety net in our community. It is important that they have the tools they need to serve the community,” Young said.
State Sen. Ed Gomes, D-23, thanked the Bond Commission for funding “these important projects in Stratford.”
“The Connecticut Air and Space Center and Sterling House are great partners who offer educational and recreational programs to our community,” Gomes said. “This funding will help restore and expand these facilities so future generations can take advantage of their programs for many years to come.”
Rep. Ben McGorty, R-122, said state investment in the Curtiss Hangar at Sikorsky Memorial Airport and the Sterling House is much needed.
“Both of these projects will help our commitment to education and helping those that need it the most.”
https://www.stratfordstar.com/85003/town-to-receive-1-5-million-for-sterling-house-curtiss-hangar-projects/