We hereby oppose the proposed development of the Griswold Airport called "Madison Landing" in Madison, CT., adjoining Hammonasset State Park, its wetlands, and the Hammonasset River. The project poses a grave environmental threat to one of Connecticut's last great tidal marshes, the Hammonasset River estuary and Hammonasset State Park.

These environmental resources deserve protection and special consideration to ensure they are preserved for future generations.

A statewide environmental review team has said the site is next to one of the most significant breeding and migratory bird stopover areas on the Atlantic Coast.

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has said the Hammonasset area wetlands represent "one of the most important salt marshes in the state."

The proposed development with 127 row houses, apartments and private houses on just 20 buildable acres of the airport land will cause irreparable damage to the river, the wetlands and potentially one of Connecticut's largest public recreation areas.

Connecticut recognizes that its waters are a precious, finite and invaluable resource that it holds in public trust for the good of all its citizens.

We urge the DEP to follow its water resources policy and preserve and protect this property and the other environmental resources, denying the permitting of this massive development.