SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $101,000 IN DISTRICT GRANT FUNDING TO FIGHT INVASIVE AQUATIC SPECIES

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed the state’s announcement that $101,000 in state grants will be awarded to organizations in East Haddam and East Hampton to support the battle against invasive aquatic species in local bodies of water.

“Invasive species pose a risk to the safety and plant growth in our local lakes, ponds and rivers,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m glad these funds will help fight the scourge and support our local communities, and it’s wonderful seeing this grant program support this worthy effort.”

According to recent information released by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the town of East Hampton will receive $75,000 to support management of new hydrilla, an invasive species, discovered in that town’s Lake Pocotopaug. In East Haddam, the Bashan Lake Association will receive $26,000 supporting education and outreach, including monitoring the boat launch on Bashan Lake and education to the public regarding preventing aquatic invasive species in the lake.

In 2019, state legislators including Sen. Needleman voted to establish an Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp fee applied to all registered boats in Connecticut to provide a dedicated funding source for grants addressing aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms.

Aquatic invasive species including Zebra mussels and hydrilla are serious threats to state ecosystems, negatively impacting native plans and animals, requiring costly control mechanisms and in some cases forming dense mats that impact opportunities to boat, fish and swim, harming outdoor recreation.