Those who in the past regarded conducting brownfield redevelopment business in Connecticut as a frustrating exercise rather than as a golden opportunity--due to some of the draconian terms and conditions--can begin looking to the Constitution State with a renewed sense of possibilities.
Ratified by the state's General Assembly, a new measure is perceived as holding much upside for those who wish to do business in Connecticut, with many declaring the state is now “open for business” from a economic redevelopment standpoint.
Those with a stake in Connecticut brownfields had been carefully mobilizing their efforts in the winter and spring to help fashion the precise mechanisms and overall infrastructure for Section 17 of House Bill No. 6526—from the start intended to create a new brownfields remediation and revitalization program overseen by the Connecticut Dept. of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
According to the final language of the law, “there is established, within the Department of Economic and Community Development, an Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development. In addition to the other powers, duties and responsibilities provided for in this chapter, the office shall promote and encourage the development and redevelopment of brownfields in the state. The Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development shall coordinate and cooperate with state and local agencies and individuals within the state on brownfield redevelopment initiatives, including program development and administration, community outreach, regional coordination and seeking federal funding opportunities.”
The overall function of the office will be geared to:
Develop procedures and policies for streamlining the process for brownfield remediation and development;
Identify existing and potential sources of funding for brownfield remediation and develop procedures for expediting the application for and release of such funds;
Establish an office and maintain an informational Internet web site to provide assistance and information concerning the state's technical assistance, funding, regulatory and permitting programs;
Provide a single point of contact for financial and technical assistance from the state and quasi-public agencies;
Develop a common application to be used by all state and quasi-public entities providing financial assistance for brownfield assessment, remediation and development; [and]
Identify and prioritize state-wide brownfield development opportunities; and
Develop and execute a communication and outreach program to educate municipalities, economic development agencies, property owners and potential property owners and other organizations and individuals with regard to state [policies and procedures] programs for brownfield remediation and redevelopment.
