CT SB00412

Establishes the "Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account" as a separate, nonlapsing account of the General Fund available to the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection for lake/river/pond restoration, aquatic invasive species eradication, education programs, research grants, and conservation services.

Allocates at least 80 percent of funds deposited into the account for aquatic invasive species eradication, cyanobacteria bloom programs, education/outreach, and research grants to state agencies and nonprofits.

Requires the commissioner to provide $25,000 annually from the preservation account to the Connecticut Agricultural Experimentation Station beginning July 1, 2020, for collecting and analyzing data on aquatic invasive species growth in Candlewood Lake.

Directs the Agricultural Experimentation Station to document invasive species growth and diminishment in Candlewood Lake and recommend measures for the state and bordering municipalities to minimize such growth.

Allows the commissioner to receive private donations and authorize marketing of "Save Our Lakes" commemorative number plate images on merchandise, with revenues deposited into the preservation account.