Senator Marcellino Announces That The Environmental Protection Fund Increased

Senator Marcellino (R-Syosset) today announced that the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) has increased $25 million to $150 million and EPF grants have been awarded for waterfront revitalization preservation efforts and increased recreational opportunities in Glen Cove and Oyster Bay.

"Over the past 10 years, New York State has made monumental strides in cleaning our air, water and soil," said Senator Carl Marcellino (R, Syosset), Chairman of the Environmental Conservation Committee. "This year’s State Budget builds on our great tradition of protecting our ecosystems while maintaining the quality of life we have all come to expect. Many of the programs supported by New York State will stand as models for the nation as the United States tries to strike a balance between economic viability and environmental safety."

Since Senator Marcellino has chaired the Environmental Conservation Committee in the State Senate, New York State has invested more than $13 billion to protect and preserve New York's environment. This historic commitment includes a record $150 million in EPF funding in the 2005-2006 State Budget, a 20 percent increase over the last year and a six-fold increase in the last decade. Annual funding for environmental programs now totals more than $1.4 billion. Included in the EPF this year is $20.8 million for Solid Waste Programs, $46.8 million for Parks and Recreation and $82.4 million for Open Space.

Recently awarded EPF grants from funding in prior appropriations include:

The City of Glen Cove will receive $80,000 for the planning for Downtown Gateway to Glen Cove Creek: The city will begin planning efforts to relocate a firehouse/EMS building. The relocation of the building will restore an important view shed on Glen Cove Creek and create a gateway between the waterfront and downtown business district. The grant will fund contractual services to conduct an inventory of buildings and infrastructure, update structural reports and site requirements for the firehouse/EMS building, assess drainage issues, and develop design guidelines and a master plan.

The Town of Oyster Bay will receive $37,250 for Visioning and Planning for Eastern Waterfront Redevelopment: The town will conduct community visioning and planning to develop an Eastern Waterfront Plan that analyzes potential redevelopment scenarios and zoning amendments for the Oyster Bay Hamlet area, including Theodore Roosevelt Park, South Street, and the privately owned former Commander Oil site.

Planting Fields Foundation will receive $250,000. The Planting Fields Foundation is a not-for-profit educational institution whose mission is to preserve and interpret Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park as the premier public garden and Gold Coast estate by educating, entertaining and enriching the visiting public. The rehabilitation of the Italian Garden (also referred to as the Blue Pool Garden) will include the brick retaining walls, stairs and ironwork to allow public access and ensure public safety.