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SB 398

AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL ASSISTANCE IN COMPLYING WITH REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO STORMWATER DISCHARGE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Gordon

Connecticut bill allocating state funds to help municipalities comply with stormwater pollution discharge regulations and water quality standards.

CHG. REF., HOUSE TO COMM. ON Environment
#stategrantstomunicipalities #stormwatermanagement
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Bill Summary · SB 398

Legislative bill overview

SB 398 proposes state assistance to Connecticut municipalities for complying with stormwater discharge requirements, likely referring to federal Clean Water Act mandates and state water quality standards. The bill appears designed to help local governments meet environmental regulations that may impose significant compliance costs without adequate state or federal funding.

Why is this important

Stormwater management has become increasingly expensive for municipalities, with federal and state regulations requiring infrastructure improvements to reduce pollution entering waterways. Without financial assistance, towns often pass these costs to taxpayers through rate increases or defer necessary infrastructure improvements, creating a gap between regulatory mandates and available resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Whether state taxpayers should fund municipal compliance versus municipalities funding through local fees/taxes, and whether wealthier communities should subsidize poorer ones
  • Scope and eligibility: Which municipalities qualify for assistance, what percentage of costs are covered, and whether assistance favors larger urban areas or smaller towns
  • Regulatory burden debate: Disagreement over whether federal/state stormwater requirements are appropriately balanced against implementation costs and economic impacts on communities

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

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