May 2, 2014
State Representative Mary Mushinsky lauded House passage of a comprehensive water strategy bill,
HB 5424 for the state of Connecticut.
Prior to the 2014 General Assembly session, a group of state and local officials, legislators, state agencies, environmental groups, water providers, academics, business leaders and members of the public convened the first ever Water Summit to brainstorm, exchange information, share ideas and recommend policy and improvement initiatives resulting in the landmark bill.
"This was the third try to create a statewide water plan. Having been part of the Water Summit and co-chair of one of the working groups that crafted the legislation, I appreciate the good will, expertise and collective ideas which helped shape this bill," Rep. Mushinsky said. "A strategic statewide plan was long overdue. I am glad that we are on the way to making this vital plan work before we are confronted with a crisis."
The bill establishes the framework, deadlines and approval process for a statewide plan, which will address virtually every aspect of water use, including availability, health and safety, conservation, recreation, climate resiliency, commerce, quality, security and agriculture. It calls for input from a range of stakeholders representing interests, regional and statewide, public and private.
"Intelligent planning, conservation and allocation among competing needs will give Connecticut sustainable water resources and make the state more attractive to residents and businesses," Rep. Mushinsky said. "I thank the Environment Committee co-chairs for promoting the state water plan and especially my colleague Rep. Hampton of Simsbury for his persistence in leading this effort." Hampton faced a potential transfer of water from the Farmington River to UConn, which prompted a renewed effort to pass a statewide water plan.
The bill now moves to the Senate for a vote.