June 2, 2011

REP. HADDAD SAYS “BROWNFIELDS” BILL
WILL CREATE JOBS AND HELP ENVIRONMENT

State Representative Gregory Haddad, Vice-chair of the Legislature’s Commerce Committee, said a bill
(HB 6526) passed by the House that will facilitate and fund the assessment, clean up and re-use of “brownfields,” has the potential to be a major job creator in the state.

Brownfields are contaminated and often long-abandoned industrial properties that can be remediated and turned into productive sites for economic development, open space or other public uses.

“These unused prime properties dot our landscape throughout eastern Connecticut reminding us every day of a bygone era,” Haddad said. “The job creation potential of getting these brownfields back into our economy is enormous and comes with the added benefits of major environmental cleanups.”

One of the key provisions of the brownfields bill provides more protection from liability for parties involved in remediation projects. The state’s 2012-2013 biennial budget approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Malloy includes $25 million per year for brownfield remediation.

“It is important for us to continue our aggressive work in cleaning contaminated sites, creating jobs, and increasing both state and local revenue,” Rep. Jeffrey Berger (D-Waterbury), House Chairman of the Commerce Committee said.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.