Rep. Zeldin Successfully Adds $10 Million in Funding for LI Sound in Appropriations Bill Now Coming to House Floor

Statement

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the Long Island Sound Caucus, announced that the caucus secured $10 million in funding for the Long Island Sound program in the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2017 (H.R. 5538). This legislation passed out of committee on June 21, 2016, and is expected to come to the House floor this year.

"As a member of the Long Island Sound Caucus, working with my House colleagues from both sides of the aisle, we were able to secure $10 million in funding for the Long Island Sound program in this year's Interior and Environment Appropriations bill; a $6 million increase in funding from last year, and a $7 million increase in funding from President Obama's proposed budget that would have cut funding for the Sound by 27%," said Congressman Zeldin. "The Long Island Sound, a cultural and natural treasure, provides our community with a diverse ecosystem with more than 170 species of fish, over 1,200 invertebrates and many different species of migratory birds. The Sound is also essential to the everyday economy and livelihood of millions of Long Islanders. Safeguarding our environment and ensuring that the Sound is protected from pollution, overdevelopment, and other issues that harm its health, must be a top priority. I urge the House to swiftly pass this important legislation to ensure our waterways are preserved for generations to come."

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