WASHINGTON – At the urging of U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and U.S. Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5), FirstLight Power Resources, the owner of Candlewood Lake, has agreed to restore their $50,000 contribution to the Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) for next fiscal year, starting July 2015. During a phone call that Murphy, Blumenthal, and Esty arranged with President and CEO Zin Smati of GDF Suez North America, Inc. – FirstLight’s parent company – Smati informed the legislators of FirstLight’s decision to act on their commitment to fully contribute this year, and to reconvene with the CLA and local community to find a mutually agreeable solution to fund the CLA for years to come.

FirstLight’s decision comes just weeks after Murphy sent a letter to GDF Suez North America, Inc.’s Zin Smati, urging FirstLight to reconsider its decision to reduce their funding to the CLA by 80 percent, and restore the funds.

“I’m pleased that FirstLight listened to my concerns and the concerns of local community leaders and agreed to pay their fair share this year. Candlewood Lake is a regional treasure, and its caretakers need to be able to rely on consistent support,” said Murphy. “Though this is great news, GDF Suez has not committed yet to fix this issue for the long term, and I will not rest until we get a commitment to fully fund Candlewood Lake on a permanent basis. I look forward to working with the company and the community in the coming months to reach an agreement that will make sure the Candlewood Lake Authority and lake residents are not shortchanged."

Funding for the Authority is an important obligation for the owner of the lake which profits from electricity generation and has a legal duty to protect and preserve the quality of the Candlewood Lake, Lake Zoar and Lake Lillinonah.  I am pleased with this interim step and will continue to press for a more permanent solution,” said Blumenthal.

“I’m relieved that FirstLight has reconsidered their position and has committed to fulfilling their obligations for Candlewood Lake this year. Candlewood Lake is a stunning natural resource for our region, and FirstLight should continue working with the Candlewood Lake Authority to ensure a closer relationship in the future,” said Esty.