Candlewood Lake Authority Chairwoman Phyllis Schaer said she was glad to hear this week that FirstLight Power Resources has agreed to restore its full $50,000 contribution to the authority for the coming fiscal year.

"I think it's wonderful," Schaer said Thursday. "I'm glad we were all able to come to the table and work together for the good of the lake."

But the money will not come in the form of a single transfer to the Candlewood Lake Authority, but in a series of grants to help underwrite specific projects through FirstLight's newly formed Housatonic River Project Fund.

Three grants totaling more than $33,000 already have been awarded, Schaer said, and she said she has been told to expect others that would bring the total to $50,000.

FirstLight announced in February that it was reducing its direct contribution to the Candlewood Lake Authority from $50,000 to $10,000, but that further aid would be available in grant form. The announcement alarmed Candlewood Lake Authority leaders and drew strong condemnation from the state's Congressional delegation, which called on the utility to reverse its positions.

Len Greene, spokesman for FirstLight, said Thursday the company promises to award enough grants to hit the $50,000 threshold.

"Based on the response that we've had from the community, particularly from our local, state and federal delegations, we've determined that the best course of action is to contribute an additional grant to the CLA," Greene said.

Green said FirstLight takes its role as a good neighbor and corporate citizen very seriously.

Schaer said the three grants awarded so far will help pay for emergency patrol radios, a hazard-buoy program and the annual lake cleanup later this month.

But she still hopes that the grants would stand on their own and that FirstLight would not count them against a full restoration of the $50,000.

"I understand their corporate needs to qualify their contributions," she said. "I'm hoping this year's grants were generosity to help fund three key programs and that the $33,254 won't be reduced from the 2015-16 funding."

On Thursday, U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, along with U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty, all Democrats, applauded FirstLight's parent company, GDF Suez North America Inc., for agreeing to meet the $50,000 total.

The three legislators learned of the company's decision in a phone call with GDF Suez President and CEO Zin Smati, who pledged and to reconvene with the Candlewood Lake Authority and five lakeshore communities to find a mutually agreeable solution to fund the Candlewood Lake Authority in years to come.

"I'm pleased that FirstLight listened to my concerns and the concerns of local community leaders and agreed to pay their fair share," Murphy said. "Candlewood Lake is a regional treasure, and its caretakers need to be able to rely on consistent support."

New Milford Mayor Pat Murphy and New Fairfield First Selectman Susan Chapman said they would like to hear from the Candlewood Lake Authority about any budget adjustments that will be made in light of the $50,000 commitment.

The lake communities all contribute to the Candlewood Lake Authority, and both community leaders would like to see if there will be a reduction in funding required from their towns.

"This is a good move on FirstLight's part," the mayor said, "to help the communities support the investment we all have in the lake."

"I am thrilled that FirstLight is restoring the funding," Chapman said. "It's a good thing."