Storm-water pollution, sea-level rises and warming temperatures continue to be...

Storm-water pollution, sea-level rises and warming temperatures continue to be problems - resulting in summer shutdowns of beaches and fishing - that damage the Long Island Sound, officials say. Credit: File

Legislation to reauthorize federal funding that pays for the restoration and protection of Long Island Sound, set to expire this month, was introduced in Congress on Friday by lawmakers from New York and Connecticut.

The Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act would extend two water quality and shore restoration program authorizations through 2015 at $325 million over the next five years, according to sponsors.

The measure was introduced in the House by Rep. Steve Israel (D-Dix Hills) and in the Senate by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).

Funding authorized under this legislation will go toward cleanup, water quality, shoreline preservation and other critical environmental and conservation needs of the Sound, according to Israel's office.

Congress earlier authorized funding under the Long Island Sound Restoration Act, which passed in 2000 and 2005, and the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act, which passed in 2006.

Both New York senators and the Long Island delegation to the House are co-sponsors of the bills.

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker, Anthony Santino

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 4: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week.

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker, Anthony Santino

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 4: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week.

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