CT SB00312

Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall coordinate completion of a Long Island Sound Resource and Use Inventory documenting natural resources, habitats, and uses including recreational/commercial boating, fishing, aquaculture, shipping, and energy facilities, effective October 1, 2014.

Secretary shall develop a Long Island Sound Blue Plan establishing state goals, siting priorities, and standards for stewardship that promotes science-based management, protects traditional water-dependent uses, maximizes public access, and identifies appropriate locations for regulated activities.

Establishes a 12-member Advisory Committee including representatives from DEEP, UConn, maritime affairs, aquaculture, economic development, conservation organizations, marine trades, commercial fishing, and nonprofit marine assessment organizations to assist in drafting the inventory and plan.

Advisory Committee must hold at least three public hearings in coastal municipalities and complete a draft inventory and plan by July 1, 2017; secretary shall provide 90-day public comment period before adopting final draft.

Final inventory and plan becomes effective upon approval by majority vote in both chambers of the General Assembly; plan shall be reviewed and updated at least every five years with annual public hearings after approval.