I had argued that the weed projects should be linked to the boat launch issues. My solution would be to say "look, we need public access to the largest natural lake in Connecticut so open your town boat launches to non-residents right now and we will fund this weed project. In any case, the AG says it is illegal to bar non-residents so it is not giving up a thing on your part".
There was no support for that argument. The funds come from a separate source having to due with fines, etc. so they did not want to co-mingle issues by having strings attached. Considering the source of the funds and the purpose of the funds that was probably the right call.
I would still use to show DEP support for the lake.
This chemical application is most likely funded by the locals not the DEP. The DEP has to issue the permit but usually they are hands-off when it comes to chemicals. What they funded was for an underwater vacuum system. We have used it on Ball Pond to try and eradicate a pink water lilly that is an invasive and will take over the shorline making it difficult to fish, boat, swim and in general use the shoreline.
I don't like benthic barriers. These are basically rugs of plastic or woven materials that cover the bottom choking off everything from weeds to any aquatic life like nymphs. It is environmentally worse than chemicals in some respects.