OFFICE OF FISCAL ANALYSIS
Legislative Office Building, Room 5200
Hartford, CT 06106 (860) 240-0200
http://www.cga.ct.gov/ofa
sSB-117
AN ACT CONCERNING TREE REMOVAL ON PROPERTIES UNDER
THE CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
Primary Analyst: MR 4/5/22
Contributing Analyst(s):
OFA Fiscal Note
State Impact:
Agency Affected Fund-Effect FY 23 $ FY 24 $
Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection
GF - Cost Potential
Significant
Potential
Significant
Note: GF=General Fund
Municipal Impact: None
Explanation
The bill establishes requirements that the Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection (DEEP) must follow before removing or
pruning certain trees in state parks and campgrounds. Specifically, the
bill requires DEEP to consult with an independent licensed arborist
before authorizing the removal or pruning of trees under certain
conditions. If the arborist determines that a tree is an immediate public
hazard, DEEP may perform the tree removal or trimming, under the
bill's provisions. Lastly, the bill requires DEEP to plant replacement
trees in the park or campground after ree removal.
The bill could result in significant costs to DEEP to the extent a high
number of trees are identified for removal or pruning. It is estimated
that the agency may need to hire seven maintainers, at a cost of $432,156
in FY 23 and $417,755 in FY 24, including fringe benefits, to replant trees,
depending on the actual number required based on the arborist
determination. It could also cost DEEP over $1 million annually for the
cost of purchasing replacement trees, depending on the actual number 2022SB-00117-R000347-FN.DOCX Page 2 of 2
required.
The Out Years
The annualized ongoing fiscal impact identified above would
continue into the future subject to the number of dead or dying trees
identified for replacement or pruning.