OLR Bill Analysis

SB 256

AN ACT CONCERNING CONNECTICUT HERITAGE AREAS.

SUMMARY:

This bill authorizes state entities to take certain actions in “Connecticut Heritage Areas. ” It defines these areas as places the legislature identified as having significant historic, recreational, cultural, natural, and scenic resources forming an important part of the state's heritage.

The bill requires state agencies, departments, boards, and commissions to consider these areas when developing their planning documents and processes. It specifically requires the Office of Policy and Management to consider how to protect and conserve them when revising the State Plan of Conservation and Development after October 1, 2009. The bill allows state entities to collaborate with those managing the areas on environmental protection, heritage resource preservation, recreation, tourism, trail development, and other similar projects.

Lastly, the bill recognizes the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor and the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area as Connecticut Heritage Areas.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

BACKGROUND

Related Bill

sHB 6584 is identical to SB 256. It was reported favorably by the Planning and Development Committee on March 13.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Commerce Committee

Joint Favorable Change of Reference

Environment Committee

Joint Favorable