Schumer: Bill could help return beach fireworks show

There's a chance that federal funds could return the July 4 fireworks show to Jones Beach, as well as finance significant renovations there and at other state parks, according to Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).

"New York could get upwards of $20 million," he said.

Schumer, at Jones Beach State Park Monday with State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash, announced the effort as part of Congress' new energy bill, which will include a provision to increase the amount given states from the 45-year-old Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The fund is financed through offshore oil and gas drilling royalties on federal property.

"[It] originally was authorized at $900 million per year to support outdoor recreational facilities, but Congress has only appropriated the full allotment twice in the past 40 years," Schumer said, adding that the money instead was used to balance the budget in other areas.

In 1979, New York got $24 million from the fund, he said.

But Ash said the state has generally received between $1 million and $2 million from the fund, and could use the additional money.

SEE PHOTOSFireworks at Jones Beach

"By providing the state more funding though the . . . Fund, the State Parks Department will have greater flexibility to restore cuts to popular parks, helping to restore programming like the Jones Beach July Fourth Fireworks," Schumer said. "The new energy bill that will be introduced this week will finally correct this problem."

Schumer said, "These funds . . . are a fitting way to enhance our parks and restore the quality of life Long Island residents have come to expect."

He added that he was hopeful that the fireworks display, not held this year for the first time in 15 years, would resume next year.