Dick Roy won’t be fading into the sunset during his last year in the General Assembly. Roy, who said he has a number of initiatives that he plans to introduce during the session that began Wednesday, will also serve on House Speaker Chris Donovan’s task force on the effect of climate change along the shoreline.
Rep. James Albis, D-East Haven, will chair the panel, which will issue a report in December on how storms like Irene last summer could affect the Long Island Sound coast as water levels rise.
“We know that sea levels are rising, and that many shoreline communities incurred significant damage during Tropical Storm Irene,” Albis said. “Homeowners and businesses are still recovering. Any severe storm has the potential to cause mass flooding and damage to shoreline properties, and a hurricane of any magnitude could be extremely devastating.”
The task force is charged with making recommendations to the General Assembly for legislation that will develop new policies that specifically address the unique needs of shoreline and waterfront residents and businesses with respect to shoreline erosion, rising sea levels, and future storm planning.
