The Department of Transportation shall identify opportunities in the state for the replacement of nonnative, cool-season turf grasses installed along state highways with native plant communities that include model pollinator habitat, as described in section 22-90b. In identifying such opportunities, the department may consider, but shall not be limited to, the availability of partnerships with private entities to assist in the funding of such replacement costs. Not later than January 1, 2017, the Commissioner of Transportation shall submit a report to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment and transportation on such identified areas. Such report shall include, but not be limited to, information concerning any proposed timetable for any such replacements or proposed replacements, the location and dimensions for any identified areas, information concerning any partnership with a private entity to allay the costs of any such replacement or proposed replacements, the availability of federal funds for any such replacement, a description of the anticipated costs associated with any such replacement or proposed replacement and a comparison of such costs with the operational expenditures made to otherwise maintain such areas.
(P.A. 16-17, S. 12.)
History: P.A. 16-17 effective May 6, 2016.