DeLauro Secures Record Funding for the Long Island Sound Program
As Co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, DeLauro led FY 2021 Federal Spending Request Letter to Include Record Protections for this Nationally Significant Estuary
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, and the House Appropriations Committee, today approved by voice vote the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Interior-Environment spending bill that included $30.4 million for the Long Island Sound Geographic Program. This record funding is $9.4 million over the FY 2020 enacted level of $21 million.
"The Long Island Sound is a national treasure whose watershed covers all or part of six states," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "More than 25 million citizens live within an hour drive of its shores, and the Sound contributes an estimated $31 billion annually to the regional economy from commercial and recreational fishing, ecotourism, and other water-dependent businesses."
A steadfast advocate for safeguarding and restoring the water quality and diverse habitats of the Sound in previous fiscal years, DeLauro led colleagues in the House in requesting this robust funding.
"The resources provided by this bill funds conservation and watershed management activities that protect and restore the environmentally and economically vital resources of the Long Island Sound," said Congresswoman DeLauro.
A video of DeLauro's full remarks on the FY 2021 Interior-Environment spending bill can be found here, and a video of the hearing can be found here. The bill next heads to the House Floor to be considered for passage.