NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 14, 2016 CONTACTS: Mike Smith, for NFWF, 703‐623‐3834,
[email protected] $1.3 Million Awarded for Community‐Based Projects To Improve Health and Ecosystem of Long Island Sound Town of Mamaroneck, N.Y. – Today, top federal and state environmental officials from New York and Connecticut announced 25 grants totaling $1.3 million to local government and community groups to improve the health and ecosystem of Long Island Sound. The projects, which are funded through the Long Island Sound Futures Fund, will restore 27 acres of habitat, including coastal forest, dunes, and salt marshes for fish and wildlife. This grant program combines funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Protecting Long Island Sound is a top priority for the EPA," said EPA regional administrator Judith A. Enck. "These projects will support vital and diverse initiatives throughout the region. We must all work to improve water quality and reduce pollution in the Long Island Sound watershed, while involving the public in protecting one of our nation's most important natural treasures." ”A healthy Long Island Sound stimulates the economy of the region and these grants will help achieve tangible results on water quality improvements and habitat restoration in the Sound,” said EPA regional administrator Curt Spalding. “By showcasing local solutions, these grants also help strengthen and expand partnerships working towards ecosystem restoration throughout the watershed.” The Long Island Sound Futures Fund 2016 grants will reach more than 395,000 residents through environmental and conservation education programs and treat one million gallons of water pollution with water quality improvement projects, including more than 700 pounds of nitrogen reduced, and 6,000 pounds of floating trash collected.