House Republican Press Release

April 28, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REPRESENTATIVE MINER VOTES FOR LEGISLATION TO PROTECT BANTAM LAKE

State Representative Craig Miner, R-Litchfield, today voted in favor of legislation what would help address environmental issues and protect Bantam Lake. House Bill 5747, An Act Concerning The Designation Of Bantam Lake As A Heritage Lake, now goes to the State Senate for further consideration.

The legislation would add Bantam Lake to the pilot heritage lake program the Legislature enacted in 1999. The original pilot program directed the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to designate a lake located in at least two municipalities and establish a program for preserving and enhancing the historic, cultural, recreational, economic, scenic, public health, and environmental value of state lakes. DEP chose Lake Waramaug in the towns of Kent, Warren, and Washington. The bill adds Bantam Lake in Morris and Litchfield.

The designation specifically encourages partnerships and agreements with municipalities that are contiguous to the lake and direct programs, grants and technical assistance so as to provide environmental support. It also requires the DEP to cooperate with the contiguous municipalities in any efforts to protect and preserve the character of the lake.

HB 5747 was brought forward with retiring House Minority Leader Robert M. Ward, R-North Branford, presiding over the House Dias.

 “Bantam Lake is the largest natural lake in Connecticut and this bill will help in its continued preservation,” said Rep. Miner, who spoke in favor of the legislation on the House Floor. “The lake is taxed by a number of recreational uses, including boat launches, camps and two public beaches. The bill will allow the DEP and towns to work in partnership to ensure it becomes an even cleaner body of water.”

Representative Miner represents the towns of Bethlehem, Litchfield, Morris, Warren and Woodbury in the General Assembly.