February 24, 2012
REP. WRIGHT TO SERVE ON SHORELINE PRESERVATION TASK FORCE
Group to Look at Connecticut Shoreline Concerns About Climate,
Storm Impacts Past and Future
State Representative Elissa Wright has been appointed by House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) to a bipartisan task force to study and make legislative recommendations to reduce storm impacts on homeowners and businesses along Connecticut’s shoreline.
“I am pleased to be appointed to this task force,” Rep. Wright said. “Last August’s damaging Storm Irene suggests that our coastline may be more vulnerable that we had thought.”
The task force will look at a variety of policy instruments to reduce the vulnerability of shoreline towns to increased flooding and other conditions in the face of rising seas and extreme storm events.
“The goal is to minimize property loss and business interruptions and to achieve long-term sustainability in response to climate change effects,” Rep. Wright added. “The challenge is how to get here to there.”
The task force is charged with making recommendations to the General Assembly for legislation that will:
Assist those still rebuilding and recovering from Irene.
Develop new policies that specifically address the unique needs of shoreline and waterfront residents and businesses with respect to shoreline erosion, rising sea levels, and future storm planning.
Make sure new policies complement legislation that may be developed regarding emergency communications between towns and the state; utility company preparedness, response and accountability; and insurance issues.
The task force will hold its first meeting on Monday, February 27th in Room 2A, Legislative Office Building, at 3:00 pm.