Bill
HB 6674
The bill aims to replant along I-91 in Rocky Hill and Wethersfield with native species, managed by the DOT, to enhance ecology and aesthetics.
HB 6674 — Summary
Quick Facts
- Bill Number: HB 6674
- Title: AN ACT CONCERNING THE REPLANTING OF NATIVE AND INDIGENOUS TREES AND SHRUBS ALONG INTERSTATE 91 IN THE TOWNS OF ROCKY HILL AND WETHERSFIELD
- Status: Ref. to Joint Committee on Transportation
- Introduced: January 24, 2025
- Primary Subject: Highway beautification, Interstate 91, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield; Transportation Department
Purpose and Intent
- The bill, by its title, seeks to promote or require the replants of native and indigenous trees and shrubs along a segment of Interstate 91 within the towns of Rocky Hill and Wethersfield. The overarching aim appears to be environmental enhancement, aesthetics, and potentially ecological restoration along the highway corridor.
What the bill would likely address (based on the title)
- Planning and standards: Establishing a planting plan that prioritizes native species suitable for highway setbacks, soil, climate, and maintenance requirements.
- Species selection: Preference for native and indigenous trees and shrubs to support local biodiversity and pollinator habitats.
- Agency role: Potential assignment of responsibilities to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (or a related agency) to design, implement, and oversee the replanting project.
- Coordination: Possible requirement to coordinate with Rocky Hill and Wethersfield for site selection, permitting, and ongoing maintenance.
- Funding and cost controls: Provisions that could authorize funding, budgeting, or appropriations for planting, irrigation, mulching, and long-term maintenance.
- Compliance and reporting: Standards for environmental compliance, reporting on project milestones, and periodic status updates to the legislature or the involved towns.
- Timeline: A timetable for planning, procurement, planting, and follow-up maintenance could be included, though the specific dates are not provided in the summary available.
Who Could be Affected
- Primary: Connecticut Department of Transportation (lead agency for highway projects) and the towns of Rocky Hill and Wethersfield.
- Secondary: Local residents and motorists along I-91, ecosystem and pollinator habitats, and potential contractors and nurseries participating in the planting effort.
Timeline and Procedural Notes
- Current status indicates the bill has been refereed to the Joint Committee on Transportation, meaning it will undergo committee review, potential public hearings, and possible amendments before advancing to a floor vote.
Additional Context
- The actual text of HB 6674 is not provided here; the summary reflects the intent suggested by the title. For precise provisions, language, and fiscal impacts, the bill’s full text and any fiscal notes should be consulted when available.
Tracking
- Follow updates from the Joint Committee on Transportation for hearings, amendments, and progress toward potential passage.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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