SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE CONGRESS SET TO APPROVE $7 MILLION TO PROTECT LONG ISLAND SOUND - ENGINE OF RECREATIONAL AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IS IN DANGER DUE TO YEARS OF POLLUTION AND NEGLECT

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U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the 2010 Interior Appropriations will include $7 million for to help clean up and restore the Long Island Sound, double the $3 million appropriated last year. The Senatepassed bill only allocated $3 million. As the premier natural resource in the area and as an estuary of national significance, the Long Island Sound is crucial to the longterm health of the environment and local economies of Westchester County.  Each year, the Long Island Sound produces over $8 billion of economic value from recreational activities. At the same time, stormwater runoff and treated sewage seep into the Sound each day, threatening the health of the Sound and the industries that rely upon it for recreation. Without upgrades to sewage treatment plants and plans to control pollution, the sound is faced with the potential of serious damage.

 

"The Long Island Sound is a treasure to Westchester and Sound Shore communities and we must do everything in our power to protect it," Schumer said. "The Sound is not only a natural resource in the area, it is critical to the health of the local environment and local economies like Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle and Rye. There is simply too much at stake to sit back and let the Long Island Sound Study funding fade away. And while there is much to be done, this additional funding will be a huge step in protecting this majestic part of our state and ensuring its heath into the future."

 

"We need more federal investment in the Long Island Sound," said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. "The Long Island Sound is a natural treasure - it helps make Westchester County a great place to work, play, and raise a family. With more than 8 million people living within the watershed, the Sound is critical our environment and economy. During these tough economic times, the Sound provides an opportunity to promote economic growth in Westchester County. I am committed to taking the steps needed to improve the health of the Sound."

 

For over a decade, the Long Island Sound Study has contributed immensely to the reproliferation of native species throughout the estuary.  For example, efforts to raise diseaseresistant oysters have reversed the effects of the 1990's collapse, along oyster beds in New York and Connecticut. According to the study's most recent report, the oyster harvest Soundwide has increased from 70% in 2006 to 93% in 2007.  This individual investment has meant an increase in the value of harvest of approximately $3 million during that time period.  However, there is still more work to be completed, as the Sound still produces well below its peak harvest of $48 million in 1992.

 

There are four main areas on which the Long Island Sound Study will focus during FY10 if the funding remains in the Conference report. First, improving and growing the collection of public reserves and parks around the Sound.  Historically, these efforts have been limited due to financial resources. Second, the study will focus on restoring wildlife habitat, particularly in the areas of restoring depleted dunes and flushing of tidal marshlands. Third, it will focus on restoring lobster and shellfish industries.  With a small investment, New York can build off of the highly successful Connecticut model of lobster vnotch programs. And finally, the study will continue the research and monitoring needed to keep the Sound healthy and ecologically vibrant.