Gov. Dannel P. Malloy unveiled Thursday a proposal to disband and replace the Capital City Economic Development Authority with a new agency to manage some of Greater Hartford’s key assets, including Rentschler Field, the Connecticut Convention Center, and, ultimately, the XL Center.
Malloy said he will propose the formation of a 13-member Capital Region Development Authority, or CRDA, to “redouble efforts to stimulate new investment in Connecticut and highlight the Hartford/East Hartford regional attractions.”
During a press conference, Malloy said the authority would be responsible for creating an integrated management structure and coordination of marketing and venue development for the region.
On too many occasions, facilities like the XL Center and Convention Center are currently competing for business. Malloy said that needs to stop and a more comprehensive economic development strategy needs to be created so those facilities act in concert.
CCEDA, based in Hartford, could not be immediately reached for comment.
The new authority, which needs legislative approval, would also play a key role in deciding the fate of the XL Center. The arena is currently owned by the city of Hartford but leased to the Connecticut Development Authority. That lease is set to expire next year at a crucial time for the stadium.
Most experts and officials agree the XL Center is need of a makeover, but deciding what type of renovation and how much to spend remains a big question.
Howard Baldwin, who took over the marketing and business operations of the Connecticut Whale, has proposed a sweeping $100 million plan to renovate the arena and bring back NHL Hockey to Hartford, but it’s not clear if his vision will gain legislative support.
The city of Hartford has hired a consultant to assess how much a renovation of the XL Center would cost.
Malloy said he wants to see more activity at the XL Center and the new authority will also be working with the University of Connecticut, which is a major user of the facility.
The authority would also collaborate with venues like the Wadsworth Atheneum, the Bushnell and the iQuilt project, and engage in strategic planning with Hartford, East Hartford and surrounding communities.
The 13-member board would include four appointees by Malloy; the commissioners of the department of transportation and economic and community development; the secretary of the Office of Policy and Management; the mayors of Hartford and East Hartford; one appointment each for the state House of Representatives and the Senate; and two appointees of the Mayor of Hartford.
Malloy said funding currently allocated to CCEDA would likely be reverted to CRDA.
CCEDA was established in 1998 by former Republican Gov. John Rowland and authorized to make state investments to energize the metro Hartford economy.
The quasi-public authority has been involved in several signinfacint projects in partnership with the Office of Policy and Management including Rentschler Field, Hartford 21, Trumbull on the Park and the Connecticut Convention Center.
