Connecticut Coastal Omnibus Bill - An Act Concerning the Coastal Management Act and Shoreline Flood and Erosion Control Structures (SB 376, Public Act 12-101)
In 2012 the Connecticut General Assembly passed Public Act 12-101, ‘An Act Concerning the Coastal Management Act and Shoreline Flood and Erosion Control Structures.’ For the first time, the concept of sea level rise was incorporated into the Connecticut Coastal Management Act (CMA)’s general goals and policies of coastal planning.
“To consider in the planning process the potential impact of a rise in sea level, coastal flooding and erosion patterns on coastal development so as to minimize damage to and destruction of life and property and minimize the necessity of public expenditure and shoreline armoring to protect future new development from such hazards [CGS section 22a-92(a)(5), as amended]”
By law, the CMA sets general goals and policies to balance development and protection of the state's coastal resources. The act adds to these goals and policies consideration of private property owners' rights when developing, preserving, or using coastal resources. It also adds consideration of the potential impact of a rise in sea level, in addition to coastal flooding and erosion patterns as required under existing law, when planning coastal development. Such planning consideration must minimize shoreline armoring to protect future new development.
The sea level rise provisions of the bill allow “a rise in sea level” to be considered in the planning process, but not in regulation, by state and local governments.
The act also authorizes the University of Connecticut and the Connecticut State University System to work with other academic institutions and federal and state agencies to seek funds and establish a program to develop and maintain state science and engineering capacity to support shoreline planning and management.
The act authorizes the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection commissioner, within available appropriations and in conjunction with academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations, or federal agencies, to seek funds for and prepare a shoreline management study. The study's purpose is to enhance coastal community resilience to coastal hazards and sea level rise, particularly in areas significantly impacted by coastal storms.
Publication Date: 2012
Related Organizations:
- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP)
- University of Connecticut
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- Laws
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