Environment DEC
From the November 2005 issue
Grants Announced for Improvements to Long Island Estuaries
Governor Pataki has announced more than $9.1 million in grants to Long Island communities to improve water quality and protect and restore habitats throughout the Peconic and South Shore estuaries. The grants are being funded though the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).
Funding will protect and restore
wildlife habitats on Long Island
"The Peconic and South Shore estuaries are unique and important ecosystems that offer tremendous environmental, recreational, economic and educational opportunities," Governor Pataki said. "We have made significant progress in protecting and restoring these water bodies, and these grants will continue our efforts to improve water quality and estuary habitats on Long Island."
Grants totaling more than $2.5 million for the Peconic Estuary and nearly $6.65 million for the South Shore Estuary have been announced. These awards will support projects to reduce pollutants from entering the estuary through stormwater and non-point source runoff; restore habitats and install fish ladders and eelways to allow migration for upstream spawning, and make improvements to wastewater treatment plants.
Bond Act and EPF
The 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act authorized $30 million for water quality improvement projects for the Peconic and South Shore estuaries. To date, the Bond Act has supported more than 100 projects to clean up and protect these estuaries. The state EPF, which has been fully funded by Governor Pataki, has provided more than $1.3 billion for more than 4,000 projects statewide, including $109 million for 290 projects on Long Island.
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "New York State and our partners in communities throughout Long Island have made significant progress in the restoration of water quality in the Peconic and South Shore estuaries. Governor Pataki continues to recognize the importance of grants such as those announced in promoting the protection of estuary habitat and other natural resources."
Peconic Estuary System
The Peconic Estuary system is located on the eastern end of Long Island, between the North and South forks. The Peconic Estuary Plan protects and improves the system's water quality to ensure a healthy and diverse marine community. The plan was drafted 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.
South Shore Estuary Reserve
The $6.65 million for the South
Shore Estuary will restore water
quality and natural resources
The South Shore Estuary Reserve extends from the Queens/Nassau County line eastward approximately 75 miles to the Village of Southampton in Suffolk County. It includes interconnected bays and tidal tributaries that provide important habitats and support the largest concentration of water-dependent businesses in New York State.
A comprehensive management plan for the South Shore Estuary was completed in 2002. The objectives of the 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 with the estuary community.
More Information
Please use the link below to DEC's press releases, where descriptions of the projects being funded can be found.
