Conn. lawmakers mull protection for shoreline

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — State legislators are considering the first proposals to protect Connecticut's shoreline since massive storms raked the area last year and in 2011.

The legislature's Environment Committee has proposed a bill providing municipal planners with a definition of rising sea level as a projected rise of between 2 inches and 5 inches a decade.

A separate measure would establish a priority list of eligible water quality projects that could receive grants and loans. Priority would be set according to public health and safety, protection of environmental resources, the population affected and other issues.

The committee also is proposing legislation requiring the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and University of Connecticut to report on establishing a Connecticut Center for Coasts. The center would guide the development of technology and regulations to better protect ecosystems and coastal properties.