Senator Ken LaValle: Senate Passes Legislation To Protect National Historic Landmarks From Erosion

Bill Would Allow DEC To Work To Save Sites like The Montauk Lighthouse

June 3, 2014 – Senator Ken LaValle is seeking to enable the NY State Department of Conservation (DEC) to take necessary action to protect National Historic sites against shore erosion.  Senator LaValle’s legislation (S6768) was passed in the Senate yesterday.  “We need to provide the DEC with the tools necessary to save our pristine shorelines and our historic places, like the Montauk Lighthouse.” said Senator LaValle.

Senator LaValle continued, “Currently, the DEC cannot enter into financially obligated agreements with non-profit organizations to halt erosion.  The Montauk Lighthouse is managed by the Montauk Historical Society, a non-profit entity, so without this legislation, the DEC cannot assist with shore erosion.  I am looking to provide a solution to this problem.”

The legislation is necessary to grant authority to the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to undertake any project to protect a National Historic Landmark to ensure that necessary measures can be undertaken to protect these sites from the brutal effects of shore erosion.

The Montauk Lighthouse is designated by the United States Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark, and was deeded to the Montauk Historical Society in 1996.  Senator LaValle’s legislation was transferred to the Assembly for action.  Assemblyman Fred Thiele is the sponsor of the bill in that house.

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