From the September 2004 issue

Grants to Fund 11 Water Quality Projects in the Peconic and South Shore Estuaries

Governor Pataki announced the award of more than $4.2 million from the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to local governments in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The awards will fund 11 water quality improvement projects in the Peconic and South Shore estuaries, including pollution prevention measures that will protect and improve aquatic habitats.

This funding will help protect beautiful
Peconic Bay from pollutants

"We're proud of our efforts to protect our natural resources and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for our children and generations to come," Governor Pataki said. "This funding will allow Long Island communities to implement important projects throughout the South Shore and Peconic estuaries that will protect fragile aquatic resources, improve drinking water quality and enhance the quality of life for local residents."

Peconic and South Shore Estuaries

The funding announced today includes $3,152,450 for six projects to improve the water quality of the Peconic Estuary and $1,085,859 for five projects to protect and improve the South Shore Estuary. The projects address priorities identified in management plans developed for these estuaries.

State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said, "We are making important and sustainable environmental improvements that help protect the Peconic and South Shore estuaries. Through this funding, stormwater runoff and nitrogen pollution will be reduced and important aquatic habitats will be restored."

Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act

The 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act authorized $30 million for water quality improvement projects specifically for the Peconic and South Shore estuaries. With this announcement, Governor Pataki has committed $22.3 million from the Bond Act for 79 projects to clean up and protect these estuaries. Under the $1.75 billion Bond Act, more than $1.5 billion has been committed to fund more than 2,100 important environmental projects across New York State, including 289 projects on Long Island totaling $178 million.

Objectives for Peconic Estuary

The objective of the Peconic Estuary plan is to protect and improve the Peconic Estuary system's water quality to ensure a healthy and diverse marine community. The plan was drafted in order to preserve and enhance the integrity of the ecosystems and natural resources present in the study area, to optimize opportunities for water recreation, to promote the social and economic benefits of a clean estuary system, and to promote public awareness and involvement in estuary management issues.

Objectives for South Shore Estuary

The comprehensive management plan for the South Shore Estuary was completed in 2002. The objectives of this plan are to improve and maintain water quality, protect and restore living resources, expand public use and enjoyment of the estuary, sustain and expand the estuary-related economy, and increase education, outreach, and stewardship programs within the estuary community.

Awards

The 11 locations and the amounts they will receive are as follows:

Town of Southampton, Suffolk County (2 awards) - $377,000 and $54,500
Town of Riverhead, Suffolk County (2 awards) - $2,500,000 and $148,750
Town of Shelter Island, Suffolk County - $38,250
Town of Islip, Suffolk County - $125,000
State University of New York at Stony Brook, Suffolk County - $33,950
Nassau County (2 awards) - $600,000 and $102,609
Town of Hempstead, Nassau County - $135,600
Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County - $122,650

For a complete description of each project, please use the link below to DEC's press releases.