CT HB06354

Amends Connecticut General Statutes Section 22a-92 effective October 1, 2017 to authorize hardened structures below the high-tide line as part of living shoreline erosion and flood control solutions.

Adds hardened structures to the list of "feasible, less environmentally damaging alternatives" for shoreline protection, alongside natural materials like tidal wetland plants, submerged aquatic vegetation, coir fiber logs, sand fill, and stone.

Permits hardened structures when used in combination with organic materials as part of living shoreline techniques that provide shoreline protection while maintaining or restoring coastal resources and habitat.

Establishes procedures allowing applicants whose shoreline flood and erosion control structure applications are tentatively denied to request a hearing and advisory engineering evaluation from the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

Requires the commissioner or municipal commission to propose in writing the types of feasible alternatives or mitigation measures available to applicants whose applications are denied based on finding of less environmentally damaging alternatives.