Latest news with #ConnecticutDepartmentofEnergyandEnvironmentalProtection
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Connecticut leaders hoping to draw tourists this summer
EAST LYME, Conn. (WTNH) — Many people are getting ready for this unofficial kickoff to the summer season, including state leaders who traditionally use the Friday leading into the Memorial Day weekend to tout tourism. Connecticut attractions push for more spending on tourism Today, they were at Rocky Neck State Park reminding people what the state has to offer. According to the state there, will be a lot for those kids and everyone to do this summer. 'No matter where you live in Connecticut, you are not more than 20 minutes away from one of our gorgeous state parks,' Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, (D-Conn.) said. Programs like Passport to Parks, which provides free parking to Connecticut residents, and Park Connect which provides shuttles from public transportation, are all designed to improve access to state parks and beaches. 'Users can now reserve all terrain wheelchairs in seven Connecticut State Park and Forest locations around the state,' Katie Dykes, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said. But it's also the many attractions like Mystic Seaport, named second best outdoor museum by USA Today and other national rankings, which state leaders hope will attract more visitors. 'The best state in the U.S. for hiking,' Anthony Anthony, chief marketing officer for the state, said. The state says tourism is an $18.5 billion industry in Connecticut, responsible for 125,000 jobs. If you do decide to head to the beach, three state parks will have lifeguards starting this Memorial Day weekend. Sherwood Island, Hammonasset and Rocky Neck State Park. 'Our tourism budget was about $12 million in 2023. Right now, if nothing happens in the legislative session with this budget, it's going to go down to $4.5 million,' Scott Dolch, president & CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, said. 'We're still in negotiations with the legislature right now as we're trying to get the right balance going forward,' Gov. Ned Lamont said. Many want more tourism money and more sunshine to help ensure a successful summer season. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CT rolls out new large-scale solar siting tool. It's aimed at making electricity more affordable
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has launched a new online tool for large-scale solar project siting in the state. The map tool, called the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool, uses Geographic Information Systems mapping to display data in an easy-access format. It is free to the public and does not require specialized GIS software, DEEP officials said. The goal of the mapping tool is to allow for a more transparent and efficient siting and permitting process for large-scale renewable energy projects, while at the same time protecting Connecticut's environmental and natural resources, according to DEEP. Developed in partnership with the University of Connecticut's Center for Land Use Education and Research, the mapping tool allows for the display of data in a compelling, easy-to-access format using GIS technology. 'Large-scale renewable energy projects are an important component of our strategy to meet our energy supply needs, make electricity more affordable for residents and continue progress toward the state's target of a 100% zero carbon electric supply by 2040,' DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes said. Officials said that because Connecticut is the nation's fourth most densely populated state, it is important to ensure solar development is balanced with a wide variety of community needs that are also priorities for the state. Connecticut also has among the highest energy costs in the nation. The tool is being rolled out as part of DEEP's plan to highlight strategies Connecticut can pursue to achieve an affordable, reliable and clean electric supply over the next 10 years, according to officials. One element of the plan, mandated in Public Act 24-31, is for DEEP to produce an online map to assist with the 'potential siting of solar projects in the state' and further the goal of increasing the state's supply of zero-carbon energy. 'This new tool will inform the siting process and also provide greater transparency to the public,' Dykes said. UConn CLEAR is hosting a webinar with DEEP officials on June 18, at 1 p.m. to demonstrate how to use the new mapping tool. Anyone looking to get more information can register for the webinar at Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Thinking about bringing alcohol to a CT state park this weekend? See where it is banned.
If you're thinking of bringing alcohol with you to a Connecticut state park or boat launch this Memorial Day weekend, state officials are reminding visitors to follow a temporary alcohol ban at several state recreation areas or risk the possibility of being fined. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has announced a temporary alcohol ban for nine state recreation areas including Beach Pond State Boat Launch in Voluntown; Billings Lake State Boat Launch in North Stonington, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest; Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch in Salem; Lake Waramaug State Park in New Preston; Naugatuck State Forest in Naugatuck, Oxford and Beacon Falls; Paugussett State Forest (upper section) and George Waldo State Park in Southbury; Quaddick State Park in Thompson; Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown and Middlefield; and Pattaconk Recreation Area in Chester. State officials said the ban is in effect through August 18. In recent summers, officials said these locations have experienced increased crowds and alcohol consumption, which has led to increased incidents of misconduct, unruly behavior, property damage, trespass and complaints by other visitors and the surrounding communities, according to DEEP. A temporary alcohol ban provides DEEP's Environmental Conservation Police with an enforcement tool, officials said. 'Enacting this measure will help ensure the safety of others and promote an atmosphere in our Connecticut state parks and forests which is enjoyable and meaningful to residents of all ages,' said DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes. Memorial Day weekend is among the busiest for state parks, according to state officials. In recent years, the state has cracked down on unruly behavior and ensuring that parks stay within capacity requirements. Just last week, officials announced they are offering an online reservation system for parking at the popular Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield to help improve the experience for visitors and reduce traffic congestion near the park. A state law passed in 2023 requires a set capacity limit for the park and authorizes DEEP to close the park to new visitors — whether entering by vehicle, on foot or by boat — when the vehicle capacity is reached Visitors can purchase up to two car passes at a time but must provide vehicle information for each pass, including each vehicle's license plate number. For those who enter in a vehicle registered out of state, the reservation fee is $22 per vehicle on weekends and $15 on weekdays. For those who enter in a Connecticut-registered vehicle, there is no fee for park entrance, as they are covered through the Passport to the Parks Program, officials said. However, a $2 reservation fee is charged for all transactions. Reservations can be made through the online reservation system or by calling toll-free 1-877-668-CAMP (2267) during call center hours. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
NY man arrested in boating incident that killed CT teen
A New York man was arrested in connection with a boating accident that killed a Connecticut teenager last year, authorities said Monday. Robert McDonald, a 23-year-old Flushing resident, was charged in connection with the death of Roselyn Blanco on Candlewood Lake on May 29, 2024. Blanco was 19. 'She wanted to see every part of the world. I know she wanted to see all the hot places — because she loved the water. She loved summers,' Blanco's friend, Erica Toran, told the Danbury News-Times after her death. 'She loved being in the sun. She loved being at the beach.' Blanco, a Danbury resident, was a passenger on a boat that was tied to a dock when she fell off, investigators said. Though first responders were called to the scene of a drowning, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said she actually suffered injuries consistent with a propeller strike. When Blanco fell off, her swimsuit was almost immediately caught in the boat's motor, according to a GoFundMe for her family. The months-long investigation included extensive interviews, several search warrants and a reconstruction of the accident, officials said. McDonald was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree reckless operation of a vessel. He was booked Sunday and released on $10,000 bail, with his next court date scheduled for May 15.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New pier now open to the public at CT's Eagle Landing State Park in CT
A new pier is now open to the public for fishing and outdoor recreation at Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam, officials said. Built by Amtrak and owned by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the permanent pier now provides an alternate fishing location while the Ferry Landing Pier/Boardwalk in Old Lyme is closed to make way for Amtrak's construction of a new Connecticut River bridge between Old Lyme and Old Saybrook, according to the agency. Construction for Amtrak's Connecticut River Bridge Project is now underway, according to the company. The project is set to replace the existing 118-year-old railroad bridge with a modern moveable bridge that the company hopes will improve the customer experience by eliminating delays, providing faster journeys, and modernizing critical infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed by 2031. With construction of the new bridge underway, the Ferry Landing Pier/Boardwalk is now closed, according to officials. Once the new Connecticut River Bridge is in service and the old bridge has been demolished in 2029, Amtrak said it will build a fully accessible 1,000 foot-long observation deck and stairway at Ferry Landing State Park that is set to open in 2030. 'The new Ferry Landing Pier/Boardwalk will upgrade the overall experience for everyone, featuring a 50% wider walkway with improved accessibility, a location slightly west of the existing site that will provide anglers better access to deep water, and stronger, more durable concrete piles for more support compared to the wooden piles used for the original structure,' DEEP said in statement. The multi-million dollar project is one of several passenger rail investments currently underway in the state, including the WALK Bridge Replacement in Norwalk, Devon Bridge Repairs in Milford, and new Amtrak stations in Windsor Locks and Enfield, according to Amtrak officials. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
