SENATOR RAHMAN WELCOMES MORE THAN $80,000 IN GRANTS FIGHTING AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN LOCAL WATERS

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Today, State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) welcomed more than $80,000 in grants awarded to the Connecticut River Watershed Council and the towns of Vernon and Bolton to fight aquatic invasive species.

The Connecticut River Watershed Council will receive a $46,205 grant to support the control and management of invasive water chestnuts in Keeney Cove and along the Connecticut River in Glastonbury, while the towns of Vernon and Bolton received a $35,135 grant for aquatic invasive plant management in Middle and Lower Bolton Lake.

“In recent years, aquatic invasive species have posed a serious threat to Connecticut waterways, as they can harm plant and marine life and even make boating and swimming difficult or impossible,” said Sen. Rahman. “That takes away natural beauty from our region, harms businesses in the area and sets our communities back. I’m grateful DEEP is taking this issue seriously and investing in our region.”

The grants come from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program, which each year invests funds into projects focused on reducing the impacts of aquatic invasive species in Connecticut waters.

These species, like hydrilla and zebra mussels, can cause severe damage to water ecosystems. They can harm and kill native plants and animals and can make boating, fishing and swimming difficult or impossible, interfering with businesses and recreation alike.

The AIS program was established in 2019 through the state legislature to better protect state waters.