The governor signed the ?EUR??,,????'??Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Brownfields Task Force?EUR??,,????'?? in an appropriate setting?EUR??,,????'??+at a former industrial site that manufactured latex foam, which has been redeveloped into a 150,000 sq. ft. Target store.

?EUR??,,????'??This law epitomizes smart or responsible growth,?EUR??,,????'?? said Gov. Rell after the signing. ?EUR??,,????'??It is the foundation of our anti-sprawl efforts.

Cleaning up contaminated properties is not just an environmental issue?EUR??,,????'??+it is an economic development and quality of life issue as well. It will also further our commitment to stop sprawl and to boost revitalization of urban areas. Towns throughout the valley stand to benefit in a big way, as do our larger cities?EUR??,,????'??+cities like Bridgeport and Waterbury. It is important for future generations that we redevelop brownfields instead of developing pristine open space and farmland. We now have incentives and services in place to make that happen.?EUR??,,????'??

The bill specifies a 19-member Brownfields Task Force consisting of 11 agency heads or their designees, six legislatively appointed members and two members appointed by the governor. The agencies involved are the Office of Policy and Management, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, the Connecticut Development Authority, Connecticut Innovations Inc., the Commission on Culture and Tourism, the Office of Workforce Competitiveness and the departments of Agriculture, Economic and Community Development, Environmental Protection, Public Health and Transportation.

The top six legislative leaders each appoint one task force member. The governor appoints two task force members, one being a current or former chief elected official or city or town manager from a municipality with a population in excess of 25,000, and one from a municipality with a population of less than 25,000. The Office of Policy and Management secretary, or his designee, will chair the task force.

The task force has a deadline of Feb. 15, 2008 to identify responsible growth criteria and standards to guide the state?EUR??,,????'???s future investment decisions and submit recommendations to the governor.

Effective July 1, 2009, in consultation with other agencies, the Department of Economic and Community Development will prepare a strategic plan assessing and evaluating the economic development challenges and opportunities for Connecticut when compared with other states and the region. The plan is to also include a vision for the future.

?EUR??,,????'??+Stephen Kelly