Reps. DeLauro and Israel Announce $4.5 Million in Federal Funding to Protect and Preserve Long Island Sound

Long Island Sound is $9 billion economic engine

Washington, D.C.— Today, Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Steve Israel (D-NY) Chairs of the Long Island Sound Caucus, announced that the Omnibus Appropriations bill, which passed the House by a vote of 359 to 67, includes $3.9 million in federal funding for the Long Island Sound program and approximately $600,000 through EPA’s National Estuary Program. This is approximately $200,000 more than last year’s funding levels and $1 million more than the President’s Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Request of $2.9 million.

Rep. DeLauro said, “The Long Island Sound is a regional and a national treasure, as well as a critical economic, recreational, and environmental resource. We have a responsibility to ensure its protection and preservation, and I am proud to co-chair the Congressional Long Island Sound Caucus. The funding provided for it in the fiscal year 2014 funding bill is not nearly what we need, but it is a step in the right direction. I will continue to fight for the funding needed to preserve this pristine, beautiful and vibrant ecosystem so that generations of Americans can continue to enjoy it.”

Rep. Israel said, “Long Island Sound is critical to our regional economy, our environment and our community. If we don’t protect and restore the Sound, a $9 billion economic engine, we will damage industries and ultimately lose jobs. That’s why pushed for greater federal investment to preserve, protect and restore the Sound.”

“Audubon New York applauds the leadership of Congressman Steve Israel, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and the entire New York and Connecticut Congressional Delegations for securing increased funding to keep Long Island Sound on the road to recovery,” said Erin Crotty, Executive Director of Audubon New York. “Through their leadership, the enhanced funding to the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Acts and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund will keep people working to protect this globally significant ecosystem which provides critical habitat for birds and is the backbone of the region’s quality of life and economy. As demand for this funding continues to outpace federal appropriations, we look forward to working with the President and Congress to build off this progress and further grow the program in the FY 15 budget."

“We are relieved and happy with the restoration of funding for Long Island Sound. These funds can now be put to good use to restore wetlands, build fish passages, filter polluted storm water and continue the good science used to craft protective policies. Thank goodness for Long Island Sound champions like Congressman Israel and Congresswoman DeLauro for continuing to fight for our Sound” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “They understand that this isn't an expenditure of funds, but rather a good investment of funds with a high return value.”

“Audubon Connecticut applauds the leadership of Congresswoman DeLauro, Congressman Israel and all the members of our bi-state and bicameral delegation in securing increased funding for Long Island Sound this year,” said Stewart Hudson, executive director of Audubon Connecticut, the state office of the National Audubon Society. “The Sound is a significant economic driver in our region as well as our premier natural resource. This federal investment will yield returns many times over putting people to work providing clean water and safe beaches, supporting habitats for birds and wildlife, enhancing quality of life in our state and connecting millions of people to nature each year.”

“Long Island Sound is critical to our region's economy and quality of life. Over the years this type of federal funding has made an enormous difference in restoring habitats for wildlife and water quality for people,” said Leah Schmalz, Save the Sound's director of legislative and legal affairs. “Some of the successes have included helping to open one of the most important migratory fish runs in the Northeast, expanding water quality monitoring programs to inform citizens about the health of their beaches, and educating children about the importance of protecting the Sound for future generations. We deeply appreciate the leadership of Congresswoman DeLauro and Congressman Israel in protecting Long Island Sound, and thank the entire bi-state Long Island Sound Congressional Delegation for their tireless work in securing these much needed investments.”

Long Island Sound is a 1,320 square mile estuary designated as an Estuary of National Significance. It is being threatened by pollution and habitat loss. More than 21 million people live within 50 miles of the sound and it contributes an estimated $8.91 billion a year to the surrounding economies.

Funding appropriated under this legislation will go toward cleanup, water quality, shoreline preservation and other critical environmental and conservation needs of the Sound.

In May, Reps. Israel and DeLauro introduced the Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act, which streamlines the authorization process and dedicates funds to a Long Island Sound Program so funding can be put toward the most critical issues. The legislation will also improve coordination among federal, state and local agencies and require regular reporting on the use of the funds.

Reps. Israel and DeLauro have also written to both Secretary Gina McCarthy of the EPA and Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell of the Office of Management and Budget urging them to include $10 million for the Long Island Sound in the President’s Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.