Dear Audubon Advocate,
There are only two weeks left in Connecticut’s legislative session, and our team here at Audubon is paying special attention to Senate Bill No. 11, a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at enhancing climate resilience in Connecticut.
Governor Lamont seeks to pass this bill as soon as possible, and along with it, allocate $5.75 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the following efforts:
- A statewide climate change vulnerability assessment;
- Development of a statewide resilience plan and resilience project design;
- Flood hydrologic modeling;
- An extreme heat preparedness plan and capacity building effort; and,
- Development and integration of local culvert mapping into statewide GIS resources.
Because of federal time constraints, these ARPA funds must be allocated this year and spent by next year. We need our Audubon flock to speak up now in support of passage!
While Senate Bill No. 11 is not dependent on this $5.75 million investment, such funding would make implementation easier. Together, they would help municipalities and the state collaborate to modernize their data, and develop tools to more proactively respond to climate-driven emergencies like extended heat waves and extreme flooding. This is especially important for underserved communities.
Please ask your Senator and Representative to support Senate Bill No. 11 and the use of $5.75 million in ARPA funds for these purposes. Take action today!
Our birds thank you too, as this funding could help Audubon restore, protect, and make more resilient places birds need in our state. |
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