Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee

Scope of Study

Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority and other Quasi-Public Agencies

Public Act 02-46 requires the Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee to study the advantages and disadvantages of having the powers and duties of the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA) exercised by a state agency instead of by a quasi-public agency. The committee must report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly not later than January 1, 2003. In addition to mandating the study, the bill makes several changes in the management structure and practices of CRRA.

CRRA is one of 11 state-level organizations defined as a quasi-public agency in C.G.S. Section 1-120. Others identified in the statute include the Connecticut Development Authority, Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, Connecticut Housing Authority, Connecticut Hazardous Waste Management Service, Connecticut Coastline Port Authority, Connecticut Lottery Corporation, and Capital City Economic Development Authority.

Area of Focus

The focus of this study will be on determining whether the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority should be operated as a quasi-public or state agency. A secondary focus will be ascertaining the extent to which the practices and controls of the state's other quasi-public agencies raise concerns requiring legislative attention.

Areas of Analysis

I. Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority

• What was the rationale for establishing CRRA as a quasi-public agency?
• How do the practices and controls prevailing at CRRA (including budgeting, personnel benefits, and the purchase and delivery of goods and services) compare with those governing state agencies?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of CRRA's current organizational structure?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of having CRRA's powers and duties performed by a new or existing state agency, private entity, or some other structure?
• If CRRA's powers and duties were to be performed by a new or existing state agency, what provisions would have to be made to ensure the payment of the authority's outstanding obligations and the performance of the authority's contracts and agreements consistent with C.G.S. Section 22a-274?

II. All State Quasi-Public Agencies

• What practices and controls (including budgeting, personnel benefits, and the purchase and delivery of goods and services) are employed by state quasi-public agencies other than CRRA?
• How do the practices and controls governing CRRA compare with those of the state's other quasi-public agencies?
• What concerns, if any, are raised by the practices and controls employed by any of the state's quasi-public agencies?

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