U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Lee Zeldin today introduced legislation to support the restoration of Long Island Sound through 2020.
The Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act combines two complementary water quality and shore restoration program authorizations at their previous authorization levels of $40 million and $25 million per year, respectively.
The legislation provides for additional focus, oversight and coordination of federal activities related to the restoration of Long Island Sound.
“The Long Island Sound is a natural treasure and an economic engine for the whole region that draws families, boaters, tourists and anglers to our shores. This legislation will make sure we have the federal funds necessary to help restore and protect the beaches and waters in and around the Long Island Sound for current and future generations,” said Senator Schumer.
“The Long Island Sound is one of our most important natural treasures, and a vital economic anchor that supports thousands of local jobs,” said Senator Gillibrand , a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
“Maintaining these authorization levels would help protect the long-term health of the Sound and help promote economic development in the area. I will continue to work with my colleagues to build on the ongoing efforts to restore the Sound for generations to come.”
The Sound borders New York and Connecticut, with 9 million people living on the coast and 24 million people living within 50 miles.
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