New York Congressman Lee Zeldin, joined by local elected officials and environmental advocates, hosted a press conference yesterday, calling for full support of the Long Island Sound Program and National Estuary Program to ensure both are fully supported and funded in the upcoming appropriations process.
“One of our natural treasures, the Long Island Sound, is a precious feature of our life, culture and economy. It is also essential to our local recreation and tourism industries, as well as the livelihood of thousands of Long Islanders. As such, a key natural and economic resource, we must continue to protect this critical waterway, ” Congressman Zeldin said.
“Over the years, water quality around Long Island has suffered from pollution, overdevelopment and other negative impacts. The Long Island Sound Program is dedicated to water quality and wetlands restoration, as well as other local conservation projects to restore local beaches and protect wildlife.”
Last year, $26 million was secured for the National Estuary Program, while $10 million for the Long Island Sound Program was not approved by the Senate, he said.
New York State Senator Ken LaValle added: “Protecting our land, air and water are crucial priorities for Long Island. Federal funding of the National Estuary Program and the Long Island Sound Program are critically important. I look forward to our continued partnership as we further our efforts to protect and restore our water resources for future generations.”
Stretching more than 110 miles into the Atlantic, with 600 miles of coastline, the Long Island Sound is home to hundreds of species of fish, birds and other animals.
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