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Norwalk's Maritime Aquarium, Globe Theater Gain $1.9 Million In State Funds

NORWALK, Conn. – The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk and the shuttered Globe Theater on Wall Street are in line to receive a combined $1.9 million from the state to help with improvements to the two facilities.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, and the former Globe Theater on Wall Street in Norwalk, are slated to receive state funding for improvement projects.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, and the former Globe Theater on Wall Street in Norwalk, are slated to receive state funding for improvement projects.

Photo Credit: Alfred Branch

The funding was secured with the help of Gov. Dannel Malloy and members of the Norwalk delegation of state legislators, including state Sen. Bob Duff (D-25) and Reps. Bruce Morris (D-140) and Chris Perone (D-137).

The Maritime Aquarium is slated to purchase two chiller units with its $400,000, while the $1.5 million for the Globe Theater will go toward a major building renovation.

"This is good news for Norwalk and an investment into the future of The Maritime Aquarium," Morris said in a statement.

"I'm pleased that there will be an attraction of this magnitude on Wall Street. It's something we can all get excited about," added Perone.

Both facilities will continue to help promote tourism state, according to Malloy, who said that industry is important to the state's economic development.

"Travel and tourism activities in Connecticut generate $11.5 billion annually in economic activity and are responsible for 110,000 jobs," said Malloy. "It’s an important that we continue to drive this important sector of our economy forward."

The Maritime Aquarium is coming up on its 25th anniversary and recently announced plans to buy a new research and education boat.

Under the Globe Theater's renovation proposal, it will house after-school programs for students in playwriting and theater production and serve as a performance space for new artists, among several other uses.

“The Globe Theater on Wall Street has a storied history in our city. Though the building has fallen into disrepair, it remains a local treasure, and holds the potential to transform the neighborhood around it if rejuvenated. I am proud to support this redevelopment effort, and thank Governor Malloy for his support,” said Duff.

“The Maritime Aquarium is about to celebrate 25 years of bringing Long Island Sound creatures into the city, and these critical repairs will keep them going for many more years to come. Both of these investments will help draw visitors to Norwalk and our other local businesses.”

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