Governor George E. Pataki and Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R-Syosset) announced on July 1, that $400,000 for local water quality improvement projects in the City of Glen Cove ($50,000) and the Village of Bayville ($350,000) that will help restore water quality and protect the natural resources of Long Island Sound. The funding is being provided by the federal Long Island Sound Restoration Act (LISRA) and is administered by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Victoria Siegel, mayor, Village of Bayville, said, "We are honored to have Governor Pataki here with us today to make this announcement. This project has been in the works for 16 years and receiving the grant money will help us accomplish this long standing project." The Village of Bayville received $350,000 that will restore a wetland by removing fill and concrete rubble from a 1.5 acre area adjacent to Oyster Bay Harbor and replant the area with native plants (Spartina Alterniflora) and grasses which will reduce nitrogen levels, sediment and pathogen loading into the Harbor.

Governor Pataki credited the cleanup and protection efforts over the last 10 years, that has made LIS healthier, cleaner. Mr. Pataki said, "With the help of both our federal and local partners, we will continue to make great strides in improving the health, vitality and productivity of Long Island Sound for the benefit of future generations."

Senator Carl Marcellino, chairman of the Environmental Conservation Committee credited Governor Pataki's leadership in protecting and preserving the environment as a key part of that effort is restoring and enhancing the Long Island Sound. "These projects are necessary steps that must be taken in order to ensure the continued viability of the Sound as an economic resource, while protecting the Sound as an environmental treasure. The grants announced today bring us closer to protecting and repairing this fragile estuary," he said.

In addition, the federal Long Island Sound Restoration Act (LISRA) provides a $200 million authorization over five years for cleanup and restoration of the Sound. Under the program, New York is receiving $1.5 million this year for eight stormwater runoff management and aquatic habitat restoration projects on Long Island Sound.

Under the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, Governor Pataki committed $200 million to implement priority projects and improve the water quality of Long Island Sound. To date, the Bond Act has provided funding for more than 130 water quality improvement projects in communities along Long Island Sound.

Since 1995, nearly $340 million in State funds have been invested in projects to benefit Long Island Sound. This includes nearly $270 million from the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and more than $62 million from the Environmental Protection Fund.