WFSB Channel 3Impact of Tropical Storm Irene still felt

Impact of Tropical Storm Irene still felt

State Sen. Len Fasano, R-North Haven, is pushing for long-term ideas to protect towns like East Haven from the devastation that Tropical Storm Irene caused.

The storm hit and pummeled East Haven's Cosey Beach, tearing apart several buildings. But it wasn't just buildings that were damaged. Dozens of feet of the beach were washed away. 

Fasano is working with a task force that is putting together a plan to either build some sort of seawall barrier or fund a massive beach restoration project. But the task force's report won't be ready for at least a year, leaving many in limbo.

One homeowner has added many extra barriers to keep his home standing, including break away walls.

But he's not allowed to build a seawall to protect his property because the state's environmental agency won't approve seawalls. That's something else that Fasano wants revisited.

 "I don't think these folks are asking for a type of handout. I think they just want a permit so they can build their own seawalls," Fasano said.

State officials say seawalls are permitted but on a case-by-case basis. The agency says it prefers natural barriers like sand dunes or vegetation. 

But if there are no options, it will consider a concrete or rock sea wall. 

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