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SB 314

AN ACT CONCERNING CIVIL PREPAREDNESS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE TRENDS, THE USE OF TOWN AID ROAD PROGRAM FUNDS FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCY AND REVISIONS TO THE STATE WATER PLAN.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Gordon

Connecticut bill allows municipalities to redirect road funds toward climate-resilient infrastructure and requires updating state water management plans for climate adaptation.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
#civilpreparedness #climatechange
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Bill Summary · SB 314

Legislative bill overview

SB 314 establishes civil preparedness measures for climate change impacts in Connecticut and modifies how Town Aid Road Program funds can be used to include climate resiliency projects. The bill also requires revisions to the state's water plan to address climate-related water management challenges.

Why is this important

Connecticut faces increasing flooding, drought, and infrastructure damage from climate impacts. This bill directly addresses those risks by allowing municipalities to use existing road funding for climate-adaptive infrastructure and requires the state to update long-term water management strategy accordingly. These changes could influence how billions in infrastructure spending prioritizes climate resilience versus traditional maintenance.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding reallocation: Redirecting Town Aid Road Program funds to climate projects may reduce resources available for traditional road repair and maintenance, creating tension between immediate local infrastructure needs and long-term climate adaptation
  • Implementation costs and specificity: The bill's mechanisms for funding and implementation remain unclear—it's uncertain whether new appropriations are included or if this represents a zero-sum reallocation from existing budgets
  • Water plan scope: Revisions to the state water plan could trigger conflicts between agricultural, industrial, municipal, and environmental water use priorities, potentially disadvantaging some stakeholders

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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