HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Gov. Ned Lamont has signed an executive order creating a new commission that’s charged with planning the state’s multi-year celebration and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing.

The Connecticut Semiquincentennial Commission will be a state-level group, similar to the United States Semiquincentennial Commission recently established by Congress.

The executive order that Lamont signed Friday requires the panel of volunteers to be wide-ranging.

They’re charged with providing the governor and General Assembly an action plan by Jan. 1.

The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and subsequent formation of the U.S. will occur on July 4, 2026.