Newsroom - 2002

May 1, 2002

REP. SPALLONE ANNOUNCES DOCK BILL PASSAGE BY HOUSE

State Representative James F. Spallone (D-Chester, Deep River, Essex, Lyme, Old Saybrook) announced the passage of a bill in the state House of Representatives that expands the opportunity for public hearings on applications for docks and other projects in the Connecticut river and other navigable waters of the state.  The House approved the bill on Monday by a vote of 136-10.

"This bill closes a significant loophole and will expand the role of the public in the permitting process," Spallone said.  "It will give a voice to citizens on a number of projects throughout the state."

nder current law, a public hearing is available upon petition of 25 citizens for applications under the state Tidal Wetlands Act and for some projects under the state Structures and Dredging Act.  The bill expands the opportunity for a public hearing under the Structures and Dredging Act.

"Even for minor projects a public hearing is available under Structures and Dredging, but there is a loophole in that law for other projects that do not fall under the Tidal Wetlands Act.  This change will allow for more public input, and allow the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) the information it needs when considering an application,"” Spallone added.

Spallone explained that he worked on a bill that would have directed the DEP to develop regulations for the issuance of permits for residential docks in the Gateway Region of the Connecticut River.  The DEP would have had to consider scenic, historic and environmental factors in developing the regulations and in considering applications.

"The regulations bill was a good bill and a necessary one," Spallone explained. "But the Office of Fiscal Analysis reported that it would cost over $200,000 to develop the regulations.  I’m not sure it would cost that much, but in the face of budget shortfall, the bill would encounter opposition due to the cost.  I’m committed to continuing to work on this concept."

The bill will have to be approved by the senate and signed by the governor to become law.

March 12, 2002

STATE REP. SPALLONE ANNOUNCES DROP-IN OFFICE HOURS

State Representative James F. Spallone (D-Chester, Deep River, Essex, Lyme and Old Saybrook) announced that he will be holding drop-in office hours in the five district towns over the coming weeks.

The schedule is as follows.; Deep River:  Saturday morning, March 23, 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at the Deep River Town Hall; Chester:  Tuesday evening, March 26, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Chester Town Hall; Essex:  Thursday evening, April 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Essex Town Hall; Old Saybrook:  Saturday morning, April 6, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at the Old Saybrook Town Hall; Lyme: Thursday evening, April 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lyme Public Library.

"These office hours are an opportunity for residents to discuss pending legislation or personal issues concerning state government in an informal, one-on-one setting," said Spallone, a first-term legislator who lives in Essex.  Spallone added that residents of any of the towns are welcome to attend any of the five sessions.  "Some are on weeknights, others on Saturday mornings in order to accommodate various schedules." Spallone noted.  "Last year’s drop-in hours were very helpful in keeping me informed about issues of concern," he added.

For more information, please contact Rep. Spallone at (860) 767-8615 or james.spallone@cga.ct.gov.