HARTFORD, Conn. --Connecticut's entire congressional delegation has gone on record as opposing a liquefied natural gas terminal being proposed for Long Island Sound.

U.S. Sens. Chris Dodd, D-Conn. and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., have joined the state's members of the U.S. House, including U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, the lone Republican member from New England, in condemning the $1 billion gas terminal proposed for New York waters.

The letter opposing the project sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was also signed by U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro, John Larson, Christopher Murphy and Joseph Courtney, all Democrats.

"We have grave concerns about the impact this permanent structure would have on the long-term health and vitality of Long Island Sound," the letter said.

FERC is reviewing the project and the letter makes its clear that the members of the congressional delegation believe the project must go no further than the drawing board.

"While we understand and appreciate our nation's and this region's need for additional energy resources, we do not believe that the Broadwater project is the best way to meet these needs," the letter said.

FERC is scheduled Tuesday night to hold the last Connecticut public hearing on the Broadwater venture. A similar hearing last week in New London drew hundreds of opponents, along with a few supporters.

The FERC hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Branford High School auditorium.

At 6 p.m., Broadwater opponents Save the Sound and the Connecticut Fund for the Environment will hold a protest rally outside the auditorium. Organizers said hundreds of people are expected.