House Republican Press Release

June 4, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Reps DelGobbo, Labriola, Williams: House Okays Bill To Spur Redevelopment of Old Industrial Sites

Legislation would be Especially Beneficial to Greater Waterbury Communities

Legislation that would provide additional incentives for the redevelopment of old industrial sites (Brownfields) in the Greater Waterbury area has passed the state House of Representatives, state representatives Kevin M. DelGobbo, David K., Labriola and Sean Williams said today.

“The measure we approved today moves us an important step forward toward helping communities throughout Connecticut reclaim old industrial sites and redevelop them for business or other productive uses that will create jobs and generate revenues,” said Representative DelGobbo, R-Naugatuck. “This bill will provide a much stronger framework for the potential reuse of brownfield sites such as the one planned for Naugatuck’s Renaissance Place development.”

“This legislation is key to the Renaissance Place development project in Naugatuck,” said Representative Labriola, R-131^st District. “Today, we moved closer to making that project a reality.”

“The Greater Waterbury area has many old industrial properties that could be used for economic development projects,” said Representative Williams, R-68^th District. “Unfortunately, they are lying vacant because developers are concerned about the potential costs of removing contaminants from the sites. This legislation would help reduce those costs to developers and help put valuable properties back on the tax rolls.”

The bill, which now goes to the state Senate for final legislative approval, will enable the state to prioritize its brownfield remediation efforts and focus on properties that have development plans in place, and benefit communities where the sites are located, the legislators said.

The legislation (House Bill 7369) would place the Office of Brownfield Remediation (OBR) and Development within the Department of Economic and Community Development. The OBR will:

l Develop procedures and policies for streamlining the process for brownfield remediation and development.

l Establish an office to provide assistance and information concerning the state's technical assistance, funding, regulatory and permitting programs.

l Provide a single point of contact for financial and technical assistance from the state and quasi-public agencies.

l Develop a common application to be used by all state and quasi-public entities providing financial assistance for brownfield assessment, remediation and development.

l Identify and prioritize state-wide brownfield development opportunities.

The legislation also would expand the current pilot program for OBR from four to five municipalities; allow municipalities to lower the assessment for properties in need of remediation and increase the assessed value after remediation is completed; and permit the Connecticut Development Authority to establish a loan guaranty fund for eligible developers and property owners, the legislators said.