Commerce Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-1038
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION.
Vote Date: 3/22/2021
Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference to Finance, Revenue and
Vote Action: Bonding
PH Date: 3/18/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Commerce Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
SB 1038 makes several technical revisions, including to the Abandoned Brownfield Cleanup
Program and the Brownfield Remediation and Revitalization Program. The changes proposed
in this bill, which include a tax credit, will help incentivize brownfield redevelopment across
the state.
Substitute Language -- LCO 5841
The substitute language made a number of technical modifications to the changes regarding
the Abandoned Brownfield Cleanup Program and Brownfield Remediation and Revitalization
Program. The substitute language adjusted the administrative process of these programs.
Acting on a recommendation from the Brownfield Working Group task force, the substitute
language removed an unnecessary provision related to the programs procedures.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None Expressed
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
1. Ann Catino and Gary OConnor, Chairs, Brownfield Working Group: Submitted joint
written testimony and Mr. OConnor provided public hearing testimony in support of this
bill. They have chaired the Brownfield Working Group since its inception fourteen years
ago. This task force is charged with proposing new incentives and programs to spur
 investment and rehabilitation of Brownfields. They proposed and are in support of the
changes in Sections 1 & 2 in the bill. In their testimony, they provided a detailed
explanation of the proposed changes. They also highlighted the critical elements of
Section 3. Attorneys Cartino and OConnor believe that this bill includes necessary
changes to make the states brownfield programs more robust.
2. Christopher D. Edge, Economic Development Director, Town of Berlin: Provided
written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. Mr. Edge believes that this bill
would continue and expand the tools that both communities and the state utilize related to
the redevelopment of brownfield properties. In his testimony, he details two current
projects that would benefit from these changes. He urges the legislature to bring this bill
forward because it is a positive step for the state, towns, and development community.
3. Mike Trahan, Executive Director, SolarConnecticut: Provided both written and public
hearing testimony about this bill. Mr. Trahan noted that the states brownfield policies
pertain mostly to remediation efforts. He highlighted that there was a legislative initiative
commissioned to investigate site solar on brownfields. This 2017 initiative included a pilot
program and a report to the legislature about potentially expanding that pilot program. Mr.
Trahan is not aware of any such report. In this testimony, he suggests adding language to
the bill that would restart the process begun in 2017.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None Expressed
Reported by: Peter B. Andrews Date: 3-31-21
Page 2 of 2 SB-1038


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 32-768, 32-769
CE Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference: 32-768, 32-769