Bill > SB00641

This bill establishes a two-year pilot program for a boat washing station at Gardner Lake in Salem, Connecticut, aimed at reducing the spread of invasive plant species. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will implement the program, which requires the installation of a boat washing station with informative signs instructing boaters on how to properly remove plant material from their boat's prop, hull, and motor. After the two-year pilot period, the DEEP Commissioner will evaluate the station's effectiveness, considering factors such as cost and usage. If the Commissioner determines that the boat washing station is no longer viable at Gardner Lake due to these issues, they will identify and designate an alternative nearby location for the station and post signs at the original lake directing boaters to the new location. The pilot program is set to begin on July 1, 2025, and is part of broader efforts to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants, which can harm local ecosystems and disrupt native wildlife habitats.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

Environment Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00641&which_year=2025