SEN. KUSHNER WELCOMES NEW STATE GRANT FOR CANDLEWOOD LAKE AQUATIC INVASIVES EDUCATION

DANBURY -State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) this week welcomed a grant from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection that will provide $27,553 to the Candlewood Lake Authority to provide outreach and education to boaters regarding the dangers of invasive plants and animals to Candlewood Lake.

Connecticut recognized the problem of invasive species in our lakes and streams in 2019 when it established an aquatic invasive species (AIS) stamp and associated fee that applies to all registered boats using Connecticut waters. Public Act 19-190 created a dedicated funding stream through the $7 stamp for in-state vessels to fund education and remediation efforts around Connecticut.

DEEP has previously awarded approximately $1.5 million to 59 projects during the first four years of the AIS Grant Program. Sen. Kushner was the lead sponsor of the 2019 legislation due to her concerns about invasive species affecting outdoor recreation and home values on Candlewood Lake.

“We needed to address this invasive species problem. Candlewood Lake is a huge economic driver in western Connecticut as well as being a beautiful natural resource,” Sen. Kushner said. “I’m pleased that Republicans joined Democrats in creating a dedicated funding stream for a program that every city and town across Connecticut can take advantage of to keep its waters clean.”