Serving Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull • Operating Agency for Greater Bridgeport/Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization

Bridgeport Transportation Center • 525 Water Street Bridgeport, CT 06604 • P 203 366-5405 • F 203 366-8437 • www.gbrpa.org

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Council Meeting

Tuesday, October 4, 2011, 9:00 AM GBRC Conference Room

525 Water Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut

Executive Committee Meeting (if needed) I. Call to Order (GBRC Chairman) II. Public Participation

III. Approval of Meeting Minutes (Attachment A):

1. June 14, 2011 Regular Council Meeting IV. Communications and Announcements (Attachment B):

1. Unified Work Program Status Report (Attachment B-1) 2. Regional Plan of Conservation and Development (Attachment B-2)

V. Action Items (Attachment C):

1. Financial Report/Annual Audit (Attachment C-1) 2. Regional Conservation Planning (Attachment C-2)

a. Coastal Resilience b. Pequonnock River Initiative c. Regional Brownfields Grant

3. Update of the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (Attachment C-3) 4. Sustainable Communities Initiative (Attachment C-4)

VI. Other Business VII. Adjourn

Greater Bridgeport Regional Council

Minutes, Regular Board Meeting: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 Mayor’s Conference Roof – Bridgeport City Hall Annex, Bridgeport, CT

Name Representing Bill Finch, Mayor Bridgeport Tom Hermann, First Selectman Easton Michael Tetreau, First Selectman Fairfield Steve Vavrek, First Selectman Monroe John Harkins, Mayor Stratford Tim Herbst, First Selectman Trumbull Brian Bidolli, Executive Director Greater Bridgeport Regional Council Meghan Sloan, Transportation Planner Greater Bridgeport Regional Council I. Call to Order First Selectman Hermann called the meeting to order at 11:40 am. The roll of the RCEO was called and a quorum was declared. Mr. Bidolli explained the purpose, organizational structure and bylaws of the RCEO. Mayor Finch commented on recent zoning referral decisions, and questioned how the revised Regional Planning Commission structure would affect future decisions. Mr. Bidolli clarified the role of the Greater Bridgeport Regional Planning Commission, noting equal representation would improve communication with town representatives. It was decided the Greater Bridgeport Regional Planning Commission would be comprised of one representative from each town, which will meet once a month to conduct the zoning referral process. II. Agency Bylaws Mr. Bidolli provided a brief presentation highlighting the content of the draft bylaws. A motion was made by Mayor Harkins and seconded by First Selectman Tetreau to approve the agency by-laws. III. Election of Officers Mayor Finch nominated First Selectman Hermann as the Chair of the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council. First Selectman Hermann received unanimous approval. First Selectman Hermann nominated Mayor Finch as the Vice-Chair of the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council. Mayor Finch received unanimous approval. Mayor Finch nominated Mayor Harkins as Secretary of the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council. Mayor Harkins received unanimous approval.

Serving Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull

Operating Agency for Greater Bridgeport/Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization

Bridgeport Transportation Center • 525 Water Street Bridgeport, CT 06604 • P 203 366-5405 • F 203 366-8437 • www.gbrpa.org An Equal Opportunity Employer

IV. Meeting Schedule Mr. Bidolli explained that the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council would meet every three months and referred to the schedule. A motion was made by Mayor Finch and seconded by Mayor Harkin to approve the meeting schedule. V. Work Program Status Report Mr. Bidolli explained the purpose of the work program, and provided an update on the status of ongoing projects. Mr. Herbst noted the need to accommodate the recent land swap in subsequent design efforts of the rails to trail project. VI. Other Business Mr. Bidolli briefly discussed GBRC’s progress on the website and rebranding. A motion to adjourn was made by Mayor Harkin and seconded by First Selectman Tetreau. Respectfully submitted, ___________________________ Mayor John Harkins, GBRC Secretary

Page 1 FY2012 UPWP_Progress Rpt Attachment B-1

Page 1 FY2012 UPWP_Progress Rpt

July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June100

▪ Traffic Counts Staff

▪ Travel Time Surveys ML

▪ Accident Database Staff

▪ Transportation Database MS

▪ Transit Database MS

▪ Commuter & Rail Parking Counts MS

▪ Update Regional Basemap ML

200

▪ Transportation Plan Staff

▪ Regional Plan of C&D BP/MS

▪ Congestion Management ML

▪ ITS Planning MN/MS

▪ State Street Two-way BB/MN

▪ Downtown Urban Enhance Team MM

▪ Downtown Parking Study BB/MM

▪ Stratford Ctr Technical Assistance ML/MN

▪ Transportation Security Planning MM

▪ Safety Programs Staff

▪ Freight Planning Staff

▪ Air Quality Conformity MN

▪ Fairfield PoCD Update MS

▪ Environmental Mitigation MS/BP

▪ Land Use Planning/Coordination MS/BP

300

▪ Local Bus--Project Development MN

▪ Bus Terminal Ped Safety MN

▪ Rail Parking Task Force MM

▪ Bus Stop Safety & Amenities MM

▪ Electronic Fare -- ITS Planning MM

▪ LOCHSTP -- 5310 & MGP MM

▪ Commuter Rail Facilities/Counts Staff

▪ Coastal Link Study MM

▪ Sustainable Communities (TOD) BB/BP

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------- As needed ----------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

Transit Planning

FY 2012 Regional Transportation Work ProgramSchedule and Preliminary Milestones - GBRC

Tasks Activity StaffFirst Quarter

Transportation Planning

System Performance

Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

Page 2 FY2012 UPWP_Progress Rpt Attachment B-1

Page 2 FY2012 UPWP_Progress Rpt

400

▪ HRT -- Administration BB

▪ HRT -- On-Road Evaluation MN

▪ HRT -- Trail Parking Assessment MN

▪ HRT -- Trail Signage Assessment BB

▪ HRT -- Trail Map & Brochure ML

▪ HRT -- Operations Plan MN

▪ Bridgeport Complete Streets MN

▪ Fairfield BicyclePed Planning MN

▪ State Bike/Ped Committee MN

500

▪ Transportation Improvement Prog. MN/MS

▪ MPO MN/MS

▪ Transportation Technical Commitee MN

▪ STP: BS Project Development MN

▪ ARRA Project Implementation MN/BB

▪ Sustainable Communities Grant BB/BP

▪ Transit Programming Staff

▪ Regional ITS Architecture MN/BP

▪ CCTIA & TSB Assistance BB/LC

▪ State Coordination Staff

600

▪ MPO BB/MN

▪ Transportation Technical Commitee MN

▪ Human Service Trans. Committees MM

▪ Title VI & Environmental Justice Staff

▪ Documentation LC

▪ Website BB

▪ Annual Report BB

▪ Public Participation Staff

700

▪ UPWP BB

▪ Progress Reports BB

▪ Coordination Staff

▪ Administration BB/LC

▪ Annual Audit BB/LC

▪ Grant Applications Staff

800

▪ Lafayette Circle - Planning Study MN/BP

▪ Ash Creek Bridge - Planning Study MN/BP

▪ Sustainable Community Initiative BB/MS

▪ GBT Long Range Transit Plan MN/MM

Progress made in completing tasks Project completed, final review pendingAnticipated schedule to complete work Planning work on-hold; delays in scheduleMeeting held/attendedTentative meeting scheduled

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

Public Involvement

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

Regional Sustainability Planning

Implementation

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

Administration

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

Special Projects

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- As needed ----------------------------------------

Attachment B-2

Purpose of the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development Connecticut State Statute requires that each regional agency develop a Plan of Conservation and Development for the region once every ten years. The recommendations made in the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development will be used to guide future municipal policy and actions that affect land use, transportation, housing, public facilities, open space, the environment, energy and economic development in the region. Using a regionally scaled version of HUD’s 6 Livability Principles and the State of Connecticut’s Growth Management Principles as a framework, the recommendations made by the regional plan will be based on public engagement and an exchange of ideas with residents and stakeholders. Through this dialogue, a regional vision for Greater Bridgeport will be articulated, along with a prioritized set of objectives for each principle, based on insight from residents and stakeholders. Six Livability Principles: 1. Provide more transportation choices. Develop safe, reliable and economical transportation choices to decrease household transportation costs, reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote public health. 2. Promote equitable, affordable housing. Expand location- and energy-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races and ethnicities to increase mobility and lower the combined cost of housing and transportation. 3. Enhance economic competitiveness. Improve economic competitiveness through reliable and timely access to employment centers, educational opportunities, services and other basic needs by workers as well as expanded business access to markets. 4. Support existing communities. Target federal funding toward existing communities through such strategies as transit-oriented, mixed-use development and land recycling to increase community revitalization, improve the efficiency of public works investments, and safeguard rural landscapes. 5. Coordinate policies and leverage investment. Align federal policies and funding to remove barriers to collaboration, leverage funding and increase the accountability and effectiveness of all levels of government to plan for future growth, including making smart energy choices such as locally generated renewable energy. 6. Value communities and neighborhoods. Enhance the unique characteristics of all communities by investing in healthy, safe and walkable neighborhoods; rural, urban or suburban. State of Connecticut’s Growth Management Principles: 1. Redevelop and Revitalize Regional Centers and Areas with Existing or Currently Planned Physical Infrastructure 2. Expand Housing Opportunities and Design Choices to Accommodate a Variety of Household Types and Needs

Attachment B-2

3. Concentrate Development Around Transportation Nodes and Along Major Transportation Corridors to Support the Viability of Transportation Options 4. Conserve and Restore the Natural Environment, Cultural and Historical Resources, and Traditional Rural Lands 5. Protect and Ensure the Integrity of Environmental Assets Critical to Public Health and Safety 6. Promote Integrated Planning Across all Levels of Government to Address Issues on a Statewide, Regional and Local Basis Work Program Outline Task 1. Develop principles and outreach strategy for the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development. The principles in the Greater Bridgeport Region’s Plan of Conservation and Development will be based on a scaled, locally relevant version of HUD’s 6 Livability Principles. The principles developed will be consistent with the State of Connecticut’s Growth Management Principles and will follow the guidelines described in CGS 8-35a. The principles will be used as a framework with which to organize the plan and as the perimeter of concern with which to guide public outreach and the formation of a regional vision. As the goals, objectives, policy recommendations and implementation actions in the plan develop, these principles may need some minor adjustments to more accurately reflect regional concerns and issues. The information collected through the SCI gap analysis will be used to plan the public outreach strategy. Responsibility: GBRC, Board & Member towns Timeline: September 2011 to December 2011 Task 2. Data Collection & Analysis The data collected and analyzed for the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development will be used for to inform the public about existing conditions in the region, the development of the plan and to measure the success of the plan’s implementation. CGS 8-35a requires that plan recommendations be based on studies of physical, social, economic and governmental conditions and trends. The appropriate data will be needed for the formation of realistic and informed objectives and policy recommendations. Under CGS 8-35a, policy recommendations in the plan should encompass areas such as land use, housing, principal highways and freeways, bridges, airports, parks, playgrounds, recreational areas, schools, public institutions, public utilities, agriculture, energy and pollution in Long Island Sound. Data that can be used to understand the region relative to the 6 Livability Principles will be collected as part of this process. Data on demographics, social equity and environmental justice (such as public health information) will also be used for the plan. Responsibility: GBRC, Board & Member towns

Attachment B-2

Timeline: September 2011 – December 2011 (may be longer depending on when census data is released) As part of the outreach process, the data collected for the plan will be presented to the public, so that they are aware of assumptions in the plan. In addition, it is hoped that the public will serve as a panel of experts in regards to staff’s analysis of regional data, and bring up different perspectives, the need for data refinements or the need for more data. Responsibility: GBRC, member towns, residents & stakeholders Timeline: September 2011 to August 2012 After the plan has been adopted, regularly updated data will assess whether policy recommendations in the plan have been implemented, and the success (or failure) of these actions in meeting their desired objective. Responsibility: GBRC, member towns, residents & stakeholders Timeline: after adoption Task 3. Refine Goals Through the data collected and analyzed in Task 2, the public will have sufficient information to understand conditions in their region, and develop a generalized set of ends, or goals for their region. Once goals have been developed for the region, the public will then develop objectives for the region. While goals are generalized, an objective is the specific action (or actions) necessary to meet a goal. Policies, and the implementation measures for these policies, will be based on the objectives developed by the public. The Six Livability Principles will provide the framework for the development of goals and objectives. During the refinement process, goals should also address (CGS 8-35a):

- The efficient, economic, and coordinated development of the area and the general welfare and prosperity of people.

- The abatement of air and water pollution in the region. - Identify areas where it is feasible to locate and promote the compact, transit accessible,

pedestrian oriented mixed use development patterns and land reuse. Responsibility: GBRC, member towns, residents & stakeholders Timeline: January 2012 to April 2012

Task 4. Alternatives Analysis To adequately address the views and concerns of most participants, alternative plan proposals will also be developed that articulate the region’s wants and needs. These alternative proposals and conceptual ideas will be presented to the public for comment. Based on public comment, a first draft of the regional plan will be developed.

Attachment B-2

Responsibility: GBRC Timeline: April 2012 to August 2012 Task 5. Plan Adoption A draft general plan, based on the public’s goals and objectives developed and their response to the alternatives proposals, will be developed for public comment. This plan will include concrete policy actions and implementation measures for each objective, and the agencies responsible for these implementation measures. The plan will be submitted to the public, stakeholders and decision makers for review. Following the procedure detailed in CGS 8-35(b), before any plan can be adopted, the following has to occur:

- Note any inconsistencies between Regional POCD & State POCD and State Economic Strategic Plan and reason for inconsistency.

- 65 days before public hearing: o Post plan on website o Submit plan to OPM Secretary

- Public hearing: o Time, place and topic for hearing given in writing to CEO and planning commission (in

writing). o Time, place and topic for hearing published in a newspaper no more than 20 days and

no less than 10 days before hearing. - Majority of the agency board will need to approve plan

o Post final draft on website o Send to member CEOs, municipal clerks, planning commissions and Secretary of OPM.

Responsibility: GBRC, OPM, Board Timeline: August 2012 to October 2012 (adoption) Task 6. Implementation As emphasized in Task 2, data that will measure the progress of a plan’s implementation should be identified and also made available to the public. In addition, each agency responsible for the implementation of a policy objective should make this data available to the RPO. Regular updates of the plan’s progress should be measured and made available to the public. Responsibility: GBRC, Board, member towns, residents & stakeholders Timeline: upon adoption

Paid Through Receivables Balance ofProgram Budget 8/31/2011 at 8/31/2011 Funds

Available

Transportation Planning 759,859.00 0.00 97,112.07 662,746.93

State Grant in Aid 12,280.00 0.00 12,280.00 0.00

Local 80,215.00 56,123.00 24,092.00 0.00

Realignment of Lafayette Circle 150,000.00 0.00 0.00 150,000.00

Pedestrian Bridge & Walkway 150,000.00 0.00 0.00 150,000.00

Sustainable Communities Initiative 22,422.00 0.00 10,191.32 12,230.68

HRT Administration 15,000.00 0.00 0.00 15,000.00

Local Reserve 20,000.00 0.00 0.00 20,000.00

Total 1,209,776.00 56,123.00 143,675.39 1,009,977.61

Checking Accounts 41,226.49$

Cash Reserve 99,665.02$

Greater Bridgeport Regional Council

Bank Balances at August 31, 2011

Statement of Resources

Period Covered: July 1, 2011 through August 31, 2011

Page 1 of 3

Budget Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun TotalBalance Available

Personnel

Staff Salaries 515,000.00 17,905.00 49,922.00 67,827.00 447,173.00

Fringe Benefits 129,758.00 3,170.00 13,490.00 16,660.00 113,098.00

Payroll taxes 41,798.00 2,489.00 4,172.00 6,661.00 35,137.00

Personnel Total 686,556.00 23,564.00 67,584.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 91,148.00 595,408.00

Operations

Audit 6,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 6,000.00

Equipment and Computers 18,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 18,000.00

Insurance 8,534.00 505.00 2,140.00 2,645.00 5,889.00

Printing and Supplies 7,000.00 179.00 2,956.00 3,135.00 3,865.00

Copier 3,500.00 225.00 164.00 389.00 3,111.00

Office Rent 46,000.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 7,000.00 39,000.00

Postage 2,738.00 18.00 64.00 82.00 2,656.00

Telephone, Fax and Internet 7,000.00 198.00 719.00 917.00 6,083.00

Travel and Field Survey 15,000.00 3,196.00 1,014.00 4,210.00 10,790.00

Training, Dues and Advertising 18,000.00 1,030.00 282.00 1,312.00 16,688.00

Website Consultant 15,425.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,425.00

Meeting Expenses 8,500.00 112.00 78.00 190.00 8,310.00

Legal Services 25,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 25,000.00

Planning Studies (Other) 342,523.00 0.00 0.00

Operations Total 523,220.00 8,963.00 10,917.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 19,880.00 503,340.00

Budget Total 1,209,776.00 32,527.00 78,501.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 111,028.00 1,098,748.00

Personnel and Operations Statement

Greater Bridgeport Regional Council

Page 2 of 3

Task Budget

100 System Performance 21,644.00 5,068.00 16,576.00

200 Planning 61,840.00 9,445.00 52,395.00

300 Transit 61,840.00 4,865.00 56,975.00

400 Regonal Sustainability Planning 46,380.00 7,978.00 38,402.00

500 Implementation 46,380.00 5,396.00 40,984.00

600 Public Involvement 24,736.00 3,036.00 21,700.00

700 Administration 46,380.00 6,672.00 39,708.00

Total Transportation 309,200.00 42,460.00 266,740.00

8,970.00 4,657.00 4,313.00

1,000.00 120.00 880.00

Greater Bridgeport Regional Council

Period Covered: July 1, 2011 through August 31, 2011

Regional Transportation Planning Program

Expenses 7/1/11 - 8/31/11

Balance of Funds Available

Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Direct Labor Summary

Transportation Planning

Sustainable Communities

Local

Page 3 of 3

Attachment C-2

STAFF REPORT

Regional Conservation Planning As part of the agency’s Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council (GBRC) is required to investigate and develop mitigation strategies to address environmental impacts related to regional land use and transportation networks. The primary documents guiding this process are the Long Range Transportation Plan (updated 2011) and the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development (PoCD), which is being updated this year. While the organization maintains a regional planning commission to guide the development of the PoCD, there are many regionally significant conservation efforts that could benefit from further agency support. In an effort to strengthen regional conservation activities in the Greater Bridgeport Region, it is recommended the GBRC establish a standing advisory committee, comprised of local staff and technical partners, to provide the council with support in addressing environmental concerns. This standing committee would operate in a similar capacity to the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC), and would be tasked develop strategies that would further the region’s mitigation recommendations, while developing a standard to monitor performance. Initial areas of concern to be addressed through this group would include:

• Coastal Resilience Planning: With three coastal communities in the Greater Bridgeport Region, there is a need to assess public infrastructure and natural resources vulnerable to coastal storms and flooding and estimate the financial value of personal property at risk. GBRC will work with local, state, and federal partners as well as various non-profit groups to assess vulnerability, and host coastal resilience workshops.

• Pequonnock River Initiative: GBRC would provide a forum and technical support for the project participants to meet and reach consensus on the next steps for addressing the PRI’s project goals and objectives. GBRC involvement would benefit the PRI by providing a clearinghouse whereby the GBRC could facilitate coordination among the member jurisdictions regarding the restoration of the watershed via the watershed management plan. These actions fit with the GBRC philosophy of fostering collaboration between the region’s stakeholders and would promote environmental awareness of a critical regional asset, the Pequonnock River.

• Regional Brownfields Grant: As we work to provide high level regional data and services

the identification and categorization of brownfields has become increasingly important.

Attachment C-2

This group would guide the development of a brownfield inventory and assist in the identification and remediation of regionally significant brownfield sites.

The Advisory Committee will work to analyze and develop strategies for addressing concerns related to the aforementioned areas, and provide periodic progress reports to the Council. The recommendations of the group will provide enhanced direction for the region’s environmental goals, and serve as a framework for the integration of local conservation goals in the regional planning process.

RESOLUTION OF THE

GREATER BRIDGEPORT REGIONAL COUNCIL

AUTHORIZING FORMATION OF A CONSERVATION

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Bridgeport, Connecticut

I certify that the following is a true copy of the vote of the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council

at its meeting on October 4, 2011 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, a quorum being present:

RESOLVED, that the Council approves and authorizes the formation of a Conservation

Technical Advisory Committee under the direction and guidance of the Council to coordinate,

administer and undertake planning activities deemed necessary and appropriate in relation to

critical environmental and conservation issues, concerns and problems facing the member

communities of the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region. Specific program areas include, but are

not limited to:

• Coastal Resiliency – To address and plan for the impacts of storm surge and coastal

flooding, and develop a strong partnership that is inclusive of local and regional

concerns.

• Brownfield Remediation – To identify and assess Brownfields sites throughout the

Greater Bridgeport Planning Region and provide coordination for remediation.

• Pequonnock River Initiative – To oversee and coordinate the implementation of the

Pequonnock River Watershed Management Plan and work with member communities on

project development and funding.

• Natural Hazard Mitigation – To update the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for the

region and assist communities assess the risks and vulnerabilities to private property,

public infrastructure and natural resources from natural disasters.

The Environmental Mitigation Technical Advisory Committee shall be comprised of

representatives of each of the member communities of the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council.

Committee assignments shall be made by the Chief Elected Official of each member community,

in accordance with the bylaws drafted by said Committee, subject to final approval of the Greater

Bridgeport Regional Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council’s Executive Director, be and hereby is

authorized to act on behalf of the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council in organizing and

overseeing the Committee, applying for available federal, state and private foundation grants to

carry-out the projects and planning activities required for and by the above listed programs, and

negotiating with granting organizations and agencies for the purpose of obtaining financial

assistance for the administration, oversight, development and implementation of plans and

projects, as may be necessary.

Date at Bridgeport, Connecticut, on

Agency: Greater Bridgeport Regional Council Secretary _________________

Mayor John Harkins

AGENCY SEAL

Attachment C-3

STAFF REPORT

Regional Hazard Mitigation Program The Greater Bridgeport Regional Council (GBRC) prepared a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP)

for the region, in cooperation with the city of Bridgeport and the towns of Easton, Fairfield, Monroe and Trumbull. Milone & MacBroom consulting firm was hired to provide technical assistance and conduct required vulnerability and risk assessments. The Plan was authorized under the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. The Act encourages the development of disaster preparedness and mitigation plans and implementation of measures to reduce the affects of natural hazards. A valid plan also makes the community and the state eligible for certain funding opportunities offered by FEMA, including from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

The NHMP for the Greater Bridgeport area was adopted and approved by FEMA in January 2007. Subsequent to its adoption, the Plan was amended to include the natural hazard mitigation plan for the town of Stratford. FEMA requires that all local and multi-jurisdictional (regional) plans be updated every five years to remain valid. The NHMP

for the region will expire on January 29, 2012. Because of this deadline, it is imperative that the Plan be updated.

FEMA provides grants to prepare and update hazard mitigation plans. Grants for FFY 2012 are available through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The deadline for submitting an application is October 21, 2011. The grant application process (state and FEMA receipt, review, approval and award), notification of grant award and execution of state agreements may take up to a year to complete. The planning process associated with the update of the Plan can be expected to take up to two years to complete, including local adoption and state and FEMA reviews and approvals. The primary goal of the NHMP is to reduce the loss of life, personal injury and damage to property, infrastructure and natural, cultural and economic resources from a natural disaster. The Plan emphasizes actions that can be implemented now to reduce or prevent damage from a future natural disaster. The assessments and evaluations were based on an extensive data collection and outreach efforts to obtain information on the physical setting of the region, existing hazards, and the occurrence, frequency, duration and potency of probable hazards. The Plan identified the natural hazards that could occur in the region, such as, inland flooding, coastal flooding, hurricanes, sea level rise, summer storms, winter storms (ice and blizzards), tornadoes, earthquakes and dam failure, and evaluated the vulnerabilities to structures and populations. Current mitigation measures were assessed and potential mitigation measures that could be implemented were assessed.

Attachment C-3

The NHMP addresses only natural hazards and disasters and does not address terrorism, sabotage, human induced emergencies (fires, hazardous material spills, contamination and disease) or disaster response and recovery. The update of the NHMP

will focus on:

1. Reflect the standards contained within Section 322 of DMA 2000; 2. Expand on the previous hazard identification and risk assessments; 3. Incorporate FEMA’s newest grant programs; 4. Incorporate potential impacts due to climate change; 5. Include updated information within all chapters; and 6. Reassessment of the goals, objectives, and activities presented in the 2006 Plan.

Budget:

The GBRC will apply for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant through the DEEP. The state will be grantee and the GBRC a Sub-recipient. The request will be for the amount $120,000 with 75% provided by FEMA and 25% from local sources. Total budget breakdown will be as follows:

• Federal $90,000

• Local (in-kind) $30,000

It is anticipated local match will be in the form of in-kind services provided by member municipalities.

Attachment C-4

RESOLUTION 2011-04

OF THE

GREATER BRIDGEPORT REGIONAL COUNCIL

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENTS

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE

Bridgeport, Connecticut

I certify that the following is a true copy of the vote of the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council

at its meeting on October 4, 2011 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, a quorum being present:

RESOLVED, the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council supports the New York-Connecticut

Sustainable Communities Consortium and authorizes staff to participate in the Sustainable

Communities Initiative, as may be necessary and required, including providing administration

and oversight of the planning activities and components to be completed by the City of

Bridgeport under the Memorandum of Understanding and Work Program for the New York-

Connecticut Sustainable Communities Consortium, as specified and contained in the draft

agreement with Regional Plan Association.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Council’s Executive Director, be and hereby is authorized

to act on behalf of the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council in negotiating and executing all

appropriate and necessary contractual instruments with Regional Plan Association and the City

of Bridgeport for the purpose of administering the planning activities and components to be

completed under the Memorandum of Understanding for the New York-Connecticut Sustainable

Communities Consortium, as specified and contained in the draft agreement with the City of

Bridgeport.

Attachment C-4

Date at Bridgeport, Connecticut, on October 4, 2011.

Agency: Greater Bridgeport Regional Council Secretary _________________

Mayor John Harkins

AGENCY SEAL