Lawmakers Form Shoreline Preservation Task Force [VIDEO]

State lawmakers today announced the formation of a bipartisan task force to study the impact of strong storms and hurricanes on the homes and businesses along Connecticut’s shoreline.

The group will then use those findings to suggest new policies and legislation to help protect those communities along the coast, as well as assist those still recovering after .

The task force, which will be chaired by state Rep.  (D-), will also look at the impact of climate changes on efforts to preserve shoreline communities.

State Representative Lonnie Reed (D-Branford) will also be a member of the task force. “Climate change and are real, not figments of environmentalists’ imaginations,” said Rep. Reed.  “450 families in my district, especially Linden Avenue, experienced big time impacts following TS Irene.   I applaud Speaker Donovan and Rep. Albis for recognizing the importance of this issue.”

Shoreline's 'Unique Needs'

At press conference in Hartford earlier today, Albis said lawmakers know sea levels are rising, and that many shoreline communities had significant damage during .

And he added that many homeowners and businesses are still recovering.

"Any severe storm has the potential to cause mass flooding and damage to shoreline properties, and a hurricane of any magnitude could be extremely devastating," Albis said.

“What we need to do, then, is address the specific and unique needs of shoreline homeowners, businesses and municipalities with regard to rising sea levels, shoreline erosion, storm preparation, response and restoration," he said.

In addition to lawmakers, East Haven resident , who lost his home during Tropical Storm Irene, also attended today's press conference announcing the formation of the new task force. A short video clip of Albis' remarks during conference is posted in the gallery that accompanies this article.

Task Force

The task force is charged with making recommendations to the General Assembly for legislation that will:

• Assist those still rebuilding and recovering from Irene
• Develop new policies that specifically address the unique needs of shoreline and waterfront residents and businesses with respect to shoreline erosion, rising sea levels, and future storm planning.
• Make sure new policies complement legislation that may be developed regarding emergency communications between towns and the state; utility company preparedness, response and accountability; and insurance issues.

Bipartisan Effort

Albis said the task force will be made up of legislators from shoreline towns, as well as state representatives and senators — both Democrats and Republicans.

It also likely will include others such as climate and land use experts.

The group expects to meet with and hear from homeowners, business owners, shoreline municipal leaders, insurance company representatives, climate scientists, and others before making recommendations.

Membership is expected to be finalized this week, and the task force will begin meeting immediately.

Its goal is to complete work and forward recommendations to the General Assembly in December 2012, but Albis said it is possible that the group could produce legislation for consideration during the 2012 session.