Substitute Senate Bill No. 1559 aims to facilitate the redevelopment of the South Meadows site in Hartford by transferring authority and resources from the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA) to the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) effective June 30, 2025. The bill stipulates that the CRDA will assume ownership and responsibilities for the site, which includes properties at 300 Maxim Road and 100 Reserve Road. It allows the CRDA to retain any state tax revenue generated from completed projects for reinvestment in the area and grants the authority to hire former MIRA employees to assist in redevelopment efforts. Additionally, the bill includes a provision for the transfer of $5 million from the MIRA Dissolution Authority to a designated account, while repealing the requirement for these funds to be used for specific activities, instead allowing for broader allocation for operating and maintaining properties formerly owned by MIRA, excluding the South Meadows site.

The bill also streamlines the licensing and permitting process for projects at the South Meadows site, allowing the CRDA to bypass certain municipal regulations and ensuring public access to related documentation. It mandates a master process for handling multiple applications simultaneously, with a ten-business-day timeline for decisions, after which applications are deemed approved if no action is taken. Furthermore, the bill outlines procedures for public hearings and appeals related to administrative actions, designates CRDA as the agency responsible for environmental evaluations, and indemnifies the state for liabilities related to pre-existing environmental issues at the site. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance efficiency, transparency, and public participation in the redevelopment process while ensuring environmental considerations are addressed.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
FIN Joint Favorable:
File No. 898: