February 10, 2012

REP. STEINBERG NAMED  TO SHORELINE STORM PANEL
Group Will Study Impact on Residents & Businesses

House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) appointed State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport) to the bipartisan Shoreline Preservation Task Force. The task force will study the impact of storms on homeowners and businesses along Connecticut’s shoreline and look at the impact of climate changes on shoreline communities.

“Tropical Storm Irene gave us a taste of what we can expect with future storms. The effects of climate change, like rising sea levels and beach erosion, will likely  increase in the coming years potentially threatening the safety and viability of shoreline communities—like Westport. We must take pro-active steps now to protect residents and businesses along the shoreline,” said Steinberg.

The task force, chaired by East Haven State Representative James Albis, is comprised of state lawmakers from shoreline towns—both Democrats and Republicans along with climate and land use experts.

“I want to thank Speaker  Donovan for appointing me to this task force. I look forward to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle as we work together to craft sensible solutions to preserve Connecticut’s shoreline,” said Steinberg.

The task force is charged with making recommendations for legislation that will assist those still recovering from Irene and to develop new policies addressing the unique needs of shoreline residents and businesses with respect to beach  erosion, rising sea levels, and future storm planning.

Steinberg said the group will also make sure new policies complement any future legislation developed regarding emergency communications between towns and the state; utility company preparedness, response and accountability; and insurance issues.

The task force will hold meetings over the coming months to hear from homeowners, business owners, municipal leaders, insurance company representatives, climate scientists, and others before making recommendations.

“Last August’s Storm Irene caused tens of millions of dollars in property damage,” Speaker Donovan said. “Hundreds of homes received significant damage or were destroyed. Despite the severity of the damage, it would have been much worse had Irene hit the shore as a category 1 or 2 hurricane. We need to look at our policies to see if they are sufficient to meet the specific and unique needs of shoreline communities, residents and businesses.”

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg is serving his first term representing the 136th Assembly District in Westport. He sits on the legislature’s Aging, Energy and Technology, & Transportation Committees.