Rep. Kennedy Supports Shellfish Industry, Devastated By COVID-19

Press release from the House Republicans:

June 5, 2021

HARTFORD- Last week, State Rep. Kathy Kennedy (R-43) hailed passage of a bill which supports the state's shellfishing industry in the House of Representatives.

The legislation would add underwater shellfishing beds and certain waterfront shellfish shipping sites to the list of properties covered under a longstanding state statute known as Public Act 490. The statute allows farmland, forests, open spaces and maritime heritage land to be assessed based on what the property is used for rather than its fair market value, resulting in lower property taxes. It is a land preservation tool to allow owners to keep land that would otherwise be too expensive to hold on to.

The bill also would rename the Connecticut Seafood Advisory Council to the Connecticut Seafood Development Council and would add two members, bringing the total to 13.

In Milford, the consequence of many restaurants closing during the pandemic, according to Rep. Kennedy, was forcing the oyster fishing industry to lose 80% of its business because of the reliance they have on restaurants to supply product.

"This legislation aims to help rebuild Connecticut oyster beds and supports the environment and supports CT's shellfish economy," said Rep. Kennedy. "Many long-time oyster farmers, including those in Milford struggled to keep their business afloat during the coronavirus shutdowns."

The Long Island Sound is home to one of Connecticut's largest agricultural commodities, oysters. The shellfish industry generates over $30 million in sales annually, according to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

This press release was produced by the House Republicans. The views expressed here are the author’s own.