House Republican Press Release

February 29, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REPRESENTATIVES CARSON, CHAPIN ANNOUNCE FORUMS FOR PROPOSED BOATING STICKER PROGRAM

State Reps. Mary Ann Carson, R-New Fairfield, and Clark Chapin, R-New Milford, today announced informational forums regarding a proposed boat sticker program (BSP) for vessels using Candlewood Lake. The concept of a boat sticker program has been discussed by Candlewood Lake area residents for a number of years. The current proposal would serve as a means to generate revenues to improve upon and fund the public safety portion of local lake management efforts. 

Reps. Carson and Chapin have indicated that the discussion surrounding a potential boat sticker program are in the beginning stages; and the scheduled forums will offer area residents the opportunity to provide input.   

The Legislature’s Environment Committee is expected to hold a public hearing in Hartford in early March on enabling legislation needed to implement the proposal. However, the forums will also provide legislators a chance to discuss the proposal and receive feedback from local residents.

The legislation, if approved, would allow the Candlewood Lake Authority to collect fees through a sticker program.  Motorized vessels and sailboats over 19.5 feet accessing the waters of Candlewood Lake would be required to have a sticker.

Area legislators and chief elected officials will be invited to participate in the first forum on the proposed program at the New Fairfield High School Auditorium on March 8, at 12 p.m.

The second forum will be held March 11th, at 7 p.m. at the John Pettibone School cafeteria in New Milford.