Long Island Leaders Push for Environmental Bond Act Funding to Protect Long Island Sound

In 2022, New Yorkers overwhelmingly approved the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act, a historic investment aimed at enhancing the state's environmental health.

 

Despite this, Long Island has yet to receive its fair share of these funds, leaving critical projects in limbo.

 

To address this disparity, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine is joining forces with environmental advocates to push for the allocation of Bond Act resources to safeguard the Long Island Sound.

 

The Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) has released a comprehensive report titled "NYS Environmental Bond Act Can Help Long Island Sound," which outlines priority projects in Nassau and Suffolk Counties eligible for funding.

 

These initiatives are designed to improve water quality, restore habitats, and bolster the region's resilience against climate change.

 

According to recent reports, the Bond Act's funds are earmarked for four key areas: water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure, restoration and flood risk management, open space land conservation, and climate change mitigation.

 

While over $2 billion has been allocated statewide, Long Island's environmental projects have received minimal support.

 

This underfunding is particularly concerning given the Sound's ecological and economic significance.

 

To highlight the urgency of this issue, a press conference is scheduled for Thursday, May 14th, at 10:45 am at the Northport Yacht Club, located at 11 Bluff Point Road in Northport, NY.

 

Speakers will include County Executive Ed Romaine, Adrienne Esposito (Executive Director of CCE), Eric Swenson (Executive Director of the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee), Lisa Ott (President and CEO of the North Shore Land Alliance), Victoria O'Neill (Director of Coastal Resilience at Audubon CT and NY), Donna Koch (Mayor of Northport), and Mindy Germain (Commissioner of the Port Washington Water District).

 

These leaders will discuss the critical need for Bond Act funding to support projects that will protect and restore the Long Island Sound.

 

As Long Island continues to face environmental challenges, securing adequate funding is essential to preserve the Sound for future generations.

 

The upcoming press conference aims to galvanize public support and urge state officials to prioritize these vital projects.