New York Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels recently traveled to Roslyn to present an Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) check of $150,000 to Town of North Hempstead Councilmen Wayne Wink and Tom Dwyer.

The purpose of the grant is to enable the Town to restore and enhance three freshwater ponds in Roslyn Pond Park and improve water quality in Hempstead Harbor. All those attending the event chipped in with their own comments on the meaning of the grant.

"On behalf of Governor Pataki, I am pleased to present this $150,000 check to the Town of North Hempstead and to celebrate once again the steady progress that Hempstead Harbor municipalities have made in improving the aquatic resources that their communities depend on," said Secretary Daniels.

"From successes in Freeport, Greenport, Port Jefferson and Hempstead, to New York City and across the state, we are committed to helping municipalities realize their visions of revitalized, vibrant waterfronts as the centerpieces of their communities," he added.

"I am thrilled that this grant will help restore the Roslyn Ponds to their original pristine quality," said state Senator Michael Balboni. "This will make a great place even better."

"I would like to thank Secretary Daniels and the Department of State for helping to secure this funding," said Councilman Tom Dwyer. "It is vital that New York State and the Town of North Hempstead work together to continue to protect our local waterfronts."

"For years storm water runoff has caused the deterioration of the Roslyn waterfront and Roslyn Park," Councilman Wink declared. "This funding will help implement a new management plan directed at restoring and enhancing the ponds within the park, which in turn will help better protect Hempstead Harbor."

The funds will enable the Town of North Hempstead to address water quality reduction in three freshwater ponds within the park, which feed to Hempstead Harbor.

The project will also implement a water body management plan to restore and enhance the ponds. Once constructed, the project will result in the reduction of storm water runoff and eroded sediments from the pond, which carry excess nutrients into Hempstead Harbor.

According to town officials, the project represents the most effective method of improving water quality by addressing landside impacts before they reach the water.

The Department of State administers EPF matching grants to local governments for the preparation and implementation of Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) and inter-municipal water body management plans, development of coastal education programs, creation of blueway trails and urban waterfront redevelopment. Since 1995, more than $68 million has been awarded through nearly 700 LWRP grants for waterfront projects.