$83 Million Set Aside To Protect Long Island Sound
New York state officials announced Friday an $83.2 million agreement to continue protection and restoration efforts at Long Island Sound.
“The importance of Long Island Sound dates back to the early days of our nation and this agreement will ensure that this magnificent waterway remains a vibrant resource well into the future,” said New York Governor George Pataki, a Republican.
The coordination of state, federal and local organizations has helped to “significantly improve” the water quality of the Long Island Sound, Pataki said, and these additional funds will expand on those efforts.
The funding announced by Pataki and other is being provided under New York’s 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, which authorizes $1.75 billion for a variety of environmental programs. It includes $200 million to improve the water quality of Long Island Sound, and with Friday’s announcement some $186.6 million of this total has been allocated.
“When New York voters approved the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, they made a commitment to the state’s environmental resources,” said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Democrat. “These grants, protecting the water quality of the Long Island Sound, fulfill that commitment.”
The agreement will fund 12 projects, including wastewater treatment, stormwater control, nonpoint source pollution control and wetlands restoration.
State officials said these projects all address priorities outlined in the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for Long Island Sound. These priorities are nitrogen control, habitat restoration, stormwater controls, sewer overflow abatement and sediment remediation.
More than eight million people live in the Long Island Sound watershed, which is a unique estuary with two connections to the sea. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is leading an effort to cut nitrogen discharges into Long Island Sound by 58.5 percent by 2014.
Provided by theEnvironmental News Service.
