CT HB05355

Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Metropolitan District Commission, shall request Colebrook River Lake Dam releases and holdbacks from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to optimize Farmington River flow for fish and wildlife, recreation, river health, flood risk reduction, tourism, hydropower, and safety.

Metropolitan District Commission must release water from Goodwin Dam in the same amount released from Colebrook Dam based on Commissioner requests made under this act, notwithstanding any conflicting general statutes or special acts.

Commissioner must submit a report to the joint standing committee on the environment by January 1, 2025, addressing recommended management strategies for Colebrook River Lake waters between elevation levels of 701 feet and 641 feet if the federal government releases the Metropolitan District Commission from responsibility.

Report must address optimizing flow for fish and wildlife, recreation, river health, flood risk reduction, tourism, hydropower, and safety, with consultation from relevant stakeholders.