HB 6637 Protects Local Waterway from Toxic Algae Blooms

June 1, 2019

I want to applaud today’s passage of HB 6637, An Act Requiring an Invasive Species Stamp for the Operation of a Motorboat on the Waters of the State.

As a co-sponsor of this bill, I am proud to be a part of the effort to fight invasive species like blue-green algae blooms at Candlewood Lake. These blooms can produce cyanobacteria, a toxin that is harmful to people and pets, especially if ingested.

The legislation requires a person who registers a vessel in Connecticut or in another state and who intends to operate it, or allow it to be operated, on state waters, to purchase an invasive species stamp. The stamp costs $5 for in-state vessels and $20 for out-of-state vessels.

The stamp will fund programs to eradicate aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms as well as provide grants to state and municipal agencies and nonprofit organizations to conduct research and provide education on managing state lakes, rivers, and ponds.

Businesses in the Danbury area depend for their livelihood on people who visit the lake, including a large commercial marina, boat repair services, restaurants, and gas stations. Protecting the lake will help ensure that these businesses continue to thrive and support our local economy.”

The legislation will now move to the Senate for consideration and passage.