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Bolton selectmen approve applying for aquatic invasive‑species grant to support lake monitoring
Summary
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to apply for a state aquatic invasive‑species grant to fund lake surveys, permit work and possible late‑season treatments. The board discussed budgeting, consultant support and how grant funds would be used for surveys and permits.
The Bolton Board of Selectmen voted to apply for an aquatic invasive‑species grant administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to underwrite lake surveys, permit work and possible late‑season treatments.
Board members said the town budgets $15,000 annually as a contingency for lake management. The grant, if awarded, would cover treatment expenses, the twice‑yearly surveys performed by the town’s contractor and related permitting that often must be filed months before treatment would be possible.
A presenter explained that the town typically pays about $5,000 to Solitude Lake Management for permits and that the company coordinates permit timing with the DEP because permits can take too long to secure once an invasive issue is identified. The grant would pay for those costs and for expanded surveys to detect invasive species early.
Selectmen discussed possible consultant costs to prepare the application and agreed it was prudent to have grant funding “in your back pocket” to avoid paying out of general revenue if a late treatment is required. A motion to apply carried with seven yes votes.
The board instructed staff to proceed with the application and to return with any consultant cost estimates before committing town funds.
