Senator Martins Joins Senator Gillibrand in Calling on Washington to Protect the Long Island Sound

Urge Passage of Bill to Continue Investment in Restoring the Long Island Sound

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District) recently joined with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in calling on Washington to pass legislation that would continue federal investment to restore the Long Island Sound. The two Senators, together with other local elected officials and environmental leaders, made the call for action at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington.

     “The Long Island Sound is central to life here on the North Shore as we know it. It’s a destination for families to enjoy, an important part of our environment, and an economic engine which provides job and billions of dollars in economic activity. Continued investment in its restoration and protection must be a priority for Washington. Officials from all levels of government and both parties have come together to support this measure. The message is clear; we need Congress to act,” said Senator Martins.

     The Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act, would provide a combined total of $65 million per year through 2020 to help continue efforts to restore and protect the Long Island Sound. Senator Gillibrand introduced the legislation with a bipartisan group of Senators and Congressional Representatives from New York and Connecticut. It is being supported by Senator Martins and community representatives from Nassau County, the Town of North Hempstead, and local villages.

     The Long Island Sound borders New York and Connecticut, with an estimated 9 million people living on the coast alone. Estimates are that the Long Island Sound’s economic contribution, including from fishing, boating, recreation, and tourism, is between $17 billion and $37 billion each year.