Commerce Committee

JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT

SPONSORS OF BILL:

Rep. Cafero

Sen. DeLuca

REASONS FOR BILL:

House Bill 7079 will implement the Governor's budget recommendations on Brownfield Remediation. The recommendations will play an important role in financing projects that remediate, redevelop and productively re-use brownfield sites across the state.

Features of the Governor's bill are:

-The creation of a new flexible state funding program for Brownfield Remediation and Redevelopment Revolving Loan Fund.

-Establishment of a single point of contact within the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), in order to improve coordination and customer service. This will place the Brownfield office within DECD with primary responsibility for leadership and coordination of the Brownfield program.

-Establishing a pilot program to identify and evaluate Brownfields located in priority funding areas

-Development of a common application form and process that will be used by all states and quasi-public agencies providing financial assistance to brownfield projects

-Facilitating the redevelopment of former mill properties.

-DECD participation in CDA loans for a variety of Brownfields related purposes, including site investigation, engineering studies and remediation.

-Streamlining the application process by allowing CDA to submit an application to DECD on behalf of an applicant.

-Adds the Department of Public Health to the agencies which are required to designate a staff member to serve as liaison between their agency and the Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development

- Amends the criteria which the Commissioner of DECD must utilize when determining what funds, if any, will be made available for a brownfield project by adding the feasibility of the project and the environmental and public health benefits of the project.

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

Philip Smith, Under Secretary, Office of Policy and Management

Mr. Smith testified in support of House Bill 7079. He believes it is important in recognizing the condition of a site and the required remediation. If Connecticut responsible growth initiatives are to succeed, the state must support and encourage the reuse and redevelopment of existing industrial sites. House Bill 7079 substantially enhances and improves the State of Connecticut ability to remediate brownfield sites.

Ronald Angelo, Acting Commissioner, DECD

DECD, the state's lead agency for Brownfield development, supports House Bill 7079, which reaffirms the state's commitment to smart growth. The bill provides greater flexibility to state agencies reviewing proposed brownfield projects.

Marie O'Brien, President, Connecticut Development Authority

CDA has always had staff dedicated solely to Brownfields because they recognize the importance of brownfield remediation to economic development and smart growth. CDA supports House Bill 7079 and will continue to apply its financial expertise, including its flexible programs and proven ability to leverage private capitol to the state's brownfields initiative.

Gina McCarthy, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection

The Department of Environmental Protection supports House Bill 7079 because the bill invests in a redevelopment fund and a revolving loan fund to catalyze community involvement and leverage private investments to free Connecticut cities and town centers to live up to their economic and cultural potentials.

Ellen Blashinski, Department of Public Health

The Department of Public Health supports House Bill 7079 in requiring DPH to designate a staff member to act as a liaison between DPH and the Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) for the purpose of assisting OBRD in achieving its goals.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

None

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

None