The $50,000 contribution to the Candlewood Lake Authority by FirstLight Power Resources, the lake owner, has been restored for the coming fiscal year. First Light's parent company, GDF Suez North America, told Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal about their decision in a phone call.
In making the 80-percent reduction earlier this year, First Light said it wanted to distribute the same amount of funds it contributes to the 23-town Housatonic River region.
New Fairfield First Selectman Susan Chapman says she was pleased with the reversal, but noted that the contribution is voluntary.
Murphy called Candlewood a regional treasure, and says its caretakers need to be able to rely on consistent support. He wants to continue working with the company and the five surrounding communities in the coming months to reach an agreement about future funding.
Chapman says it was decided at a recent meeting of the five CEOs that they would meet with the CLA in the fall to talk about their future budgets. Some area towns did include extra funding in their municipal budgets just in case FirstLight hadn't changed their minds.
5th District Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty says Candlewood Lake is a stunning natural resource for the region. She called on FirstLight to continue working with the Candlewood Lake Authority to ensure a closer relationship in the future.
