Ansonia set to receive $2.9M for plant demolition

ANSONIA - The city is set to receive an additional $2.9 million in order to demolish the remaining structures at the former SHW Casting plant.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro announced this week Ansonia was one of several municipalities in the state getting money from the federal government for remediation and renovation projects. While the city and state officials praised DeLauro's help in securing federal money, the bill has only passed the House, but the city is expected to receive the funds without issue.

According to DeLauro's congressional office, Ansonia will get $2.9 million to demolish and remediate the SHW site on Main Street, removing hazardous materials. The city had previously received $1 million from the state in 2021 to help demolish the Farrel Foundry which is part of the 60 acres in total that is made up of SHW, Farrel Foundry and Ansonia Copper and Brass.

While the city has received money from the state, only a small portion of the facility has been demolished so far, said the city's Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley. She said demolition prep work is expected to start July 25.

Mayor David Cassetti said the money was sorely needed.

“We needed more money and we went to the federal government and Rosa was great to work with to get the funding that we need to take down,” Cassetti said. “As you know, the state gives us dribs and drabs of money. And we really needed millions. And I was very pleased that Congresswoman DeLauro came through with this money.”

The city had previously considered using the former industrial sight for other uses, from a space to be used by RugPad USA to a fuel cell facility. City officials have consistently said redeveloping the hulking structure at the north end of downtown was vital for the city. Parts of the structure had collapsed in 2017.

State Rep. Kara Rochelle, who previously advocated for state help with the facility, said the money would be a big help.

“I am so pleased and thankful to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro for being a true partner and friend in the economic redevelopment effort for the Lower Valley,” Rochelle said. “These funds build upon $1.7 million in state funds that I've helped secure for the SHW cleanup and demolition project over the last two years, and bring us much closer to finally seeing this building come down.”

Cassetti said the actual demolition work would take about four months. But despite being set to get nearly $3 million, he said the site needs more money.

“I am very appreciative of Rosa DeLauro, my good friend who always comes through for us, and hopefully she'll come through some more for the Ansonia Copper and Brass project,” Cassetti said.