Two local lawmakers are looking to help lake authorities in their efforts to fight invasive plants and animals.

The Environment Committee will consider Bill 5503 this week, An Act Concerning Lake Authorities and Combating Invasive Plant and Animal Species.  Arconti, Brookfield Representative Stephen Harding and New Milford Senator Craig Miner want state law amended to divert a portion of the funds in the community investment account to fund lake authorities in their efforts to combat invasive plant and animal species.

The Candlewood Lake Authority has been battling Eurasian Water Milfoil, even with the introduction of sterile grass carp a few years ago.  Now zebra mussels are becoming a threat to the lake's ecosystem.  Arconti notes that municipalities are cash strapped so it's hard for them to increase their funding.  He says this would be another route to get money to the CLA, without creating a new program.