WASHINGTION – Today, in response to the decision by FirstLight Power Resources (FLPR) to reduce its funding to the Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) by 80 percent, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) sent a letter to President & CEO Zin Smati of GDF Suez Energy North America, Inc. – FLPR’s parent company – urging FLPR to reconsider its decision and restore the funds.

“I’m writing today to request that FLPR reconsider its decision to reduce its funding to the CLA in western Connecticut. Candlewood Lake is a regional treasure, and its local caretakers need to be able to rely on a consistent partnership with FLPR in order to adequately manage it to the mutual benefit of its owners and nearby residents. Further, insisting on this change in funding structure at this time of year could play significant havoc with local town budgets, which will be asked to make up much of the shortfall created by FLPR’s reduced contribution to the CLA. I am hopeful that, upon further review, you can revisit FLPR's decision in this regard and restore the funds.”

The full text of the letter is below:

Mr. Zin Smati

President and CEO

GDF Suez Energy North America, Inc.

1990 Post Oak Boulevard

Suite 1900

Houston, TX 77056-3831

Dear Mr. Smati,

I’m writing today to request that FirstLight Power Resources (FLPR) reconsider its decision to reduce its funding to the Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) in western Connecticut. Candlewood Lake is a regional treasure, and its local caretakers need to be able to rely on a consistent partnership with FLPR in order to adequately manage it to the mutual benefit of its owners and nearby residents. 

I appreciate FLPR’s effort to more broadly and equitably distribute the funds it contributes toward the wide range of community organizations operating in the 23-town Housatonic River region. However, considering the relative pittance of funding involved – under $100,000 – compared to the revenue GDF Suez generates from this asset, I am somewhat baffled by FLPR’s insistence on further divvying up some of an already minuscule pool of funds. If FLPR wants to fund worthy initiatives further upstream, by all means, do so – but this should not come at the expense of the equally worthy safety, shoreline, and lake management activities run by the CLA.

Further, insisting on this change in funding structure at this time of year could play significant havoc with local town budgets, which will be asked to make up much of the shortfall created by FLPR’s reduced contribution to the CLA.

The towns that border the Lake are firmly committed to building a strong and sustained working relationship with FirstLight. Finding a way to preserve the historical, collaborative nature of the relationship between the owner of the lake and the CLA will help bolster and improve that goodwill.

I can imagine that this decision is likely not one in which you played a direct role. However, I am hopeful that, upon further review, you can revisit FLPR's decision in this regard and restore the funds – or, barring that, at least delay this action pending a full review.

I appreciate your attention to this matter, and look forward to working with you.

 

                                                            Sincerely,

 

                                                            Christopher S. Murphy