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Army Corps outlines 50/50 cost‑share to tackle hydrilla; RiverCog supports partnership with Ag Experiment Station
Summary
Army Corps New England described a new statewide cost‑share program (50/50 reimbursement) to address invasive aquatic plants, highlighting $10 million in recent congressional appropriations for research and demonstration and urging local sponsors to submit letters of intent.
RiverCog members heard an extended briefing on invasive aquatic plants—particularly an aggressive, genetically distinct strain of hydrilla—and a new Army Corps cost‑share program that could provide 50/50 reimbursement for eligible projects statewide.
Greg (Agricultural Experiment Station) described surveys documenting hydrilla’s spread throughout the Connecticut River watershed and into lakes and ponds statewide, and credited coordinated work with federal partners. Keith Hannon of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (New England District) explained the Corps’ 50/50 cost‑share model: the Corps assists with project identification, provides planning and technical oversight, and reimburses eligible project costs at 50% upon completion. He emphasized the program’s emphasis on sponsor letters of intent and a letter‑report environmental review before projects proceed.
Corps representatives and state scientists said the work to date includes research and demonstration funding (Congressionally authorized appropriations since 2022 totalling about $10 million) used for scientific trials to assess herbicide formulations and control techniques. Members discussed local measures (boat‑wash stations, outreach to anglers and paddlers) that could be supported by the Corps program but noted the program’s priorities and final decisions will rest with the Corps planning documents.
Board members signaled broad support for partnering with the Ag Experiment Station and the Army Corps while acknowledging that eradication at current scale is unlikely; the program’s focus will be on rapid response, priority projects and local guidance.
