With state $$ on table, officials discuss ID’ing Staten Island environmental projects for funds, ensuring our fair share

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The possibilities of the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act, a massive borrowing pool the state will draw from to complete a range of projects — from improving climate change resiliency and maintaining open spaces to electrifying school buses and protecting water quality — is beginning to come into focus on Staten Island.

Elected officials, environmentalists, community advocates and others gathered at the College of Staten Island Wednesday morning for a state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) presentation on the opportunities presented by the funding and a conversation surrounding the most effective ways to use the money on the borough.

Balancing the urgency posed by risks of extreme weather and maintaining the prudence of doling out the state’s purse responsibly will be a major element of the bond act’s ultimate effectiveness.

“The Environmental Bond Act is a much needed investment to work towards resiliency for our coastal district,” said State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn). “I’m looking forward to working with the Borough President and our other elected and community partners to ensure that significant and much deserved funding comes to Senate District 23.”

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