Official: Conn. land deal not a clear win or loss

Haddam, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut's top environmental official says he did not get involved in a contentious land swap because he did not research the matter fully.

Environmental Commissioner Daniel Esty says in an interview with The Associated Press on Monday he did not have the opportunity to dig into the details enough to make an informed decision.

The plan, which has been approved by the legislature, will exchange a 17-acre site on the Connecticut River in Haddam for 87 acres adjacent to a state forest several miles away.

Developers will use the 17 acres set aside for conservation to build a hotel, stores and a train station to boost tourism.

Opponents criticized Esty and Gov. Dannel Malloy for remaining silent during the legislative process.

Esty said he does not believe the issue was a clear environmental win or loss.