Legislation seeks more cash for LI Sound
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.
Snow totals may be less across the South Shore A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.
Snow totals may be less across the South Shore A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.
