CT SB00346

Expands reimbursement eligibility under Section 22-6c to include costs of developing, implementing, and complying with farmland restoration plans, in addition to farm resources management plans.

Increases reimbursement cap for farmland restoration plans from an implied lower amount to up to 50 percent of costs or $20,000 (whichever is less), with an exception allowing up to 90 percent reimbursement for state-owned or municipally-owned land with agricultural leases of five years or longer.

Defines "farmland restoration plan" as a conservation plan approved by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, a soil and water conservation district, or the Commissioner of Agriculture.

Expands the definition of "agricultural restoration purposes" to include reclamation of grown-over pastures and meadows, fence installation for wildlife and livestock management, vegetation replanting, water runoff restoration, irrigation improvements, hedgerow management, and farm pond renovation.

Effective date: October 1, 2015.