LWVCT Supports HB 5249 Which Would Require Environmental Impact Statements Prior to the Conveyance of State Land 3/16/07
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CGA GAE Committee Public Hearing March 16,2007Support for HB5249, AA Requiring Environmental Impact Statements Prior to the Conveyance of State Land.Comments submitted by Cheryl Dunson, VP Public Issues
The League of Women Voters of Connecticut, a statewide organization with over 2400 members, supports policies and procedures that promote planning for the conservation and development of Connecticut’s land and water resources. Additionally, we believe that citizens should be provided opportunities to participate in decisions concerning these valuable resources. Based upon this position, the League urges your support HB5249, AA Requiring Environmental Impact Statements Prior to the Conveyance of State Land.
This bill would require that all sales of state land be publicly noticed. Additionally, it would require the Department of Environmental Protection to thoroughly evaluate the natural resources of land parcels and make that evaluation available for public review and comment prior to the sale or transfer of the properties.
When the state acquires lands, it conducts a thorough analysis of “what it would be getting” for the taxpayer dollars. A similar analysis should be conducted for the lands that the state is planning to sell or give away. This legislation is in response to the Norwich State Hospital land transfer for $1, where few public officials or citizens were aware that the property included 250-acres of pristine woodlands draining into the Poquetanuck Cove. While this legislation is too late to preserve those 250 acres, the state maintains significant land holdings that may be identified as “surplus” in the future.
The League of Women Voters of Connecticut urges your support for this prudent legislation that will establish a consistent, comprehensive and transparent review process in order to make informed decisions regarding the sale or transfer of state lands. Please vote yes on HB 5249.
League of Women Voters of Connecticut · 1890 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06514 · 203/288-7996 |
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