South Shore Communities Get Thousands For Environmental Projects

Municipalities across Long Island were recently awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants from the state for environmental projects across the South Shore. The projects are designed to improve recreational access and increase the environmental health of the South Shore.

The grants were awarded by the Department of State as Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Local Assistance Grants, which totaled $668,385. The Town of Hempstead was the single largest grant recipient, getting more than $200,000 for six projects.

The plans focus on the protection and improvement of water quality, living resources, public access, open space, maritime heritage and economy throughout the area. Kayak launches, shellfish restoration projects, and innovative wastewater treatment systems at two town beaches are among the variety of awarded projects.

"This funding will help to protect the valuable natural and economic resources of the South Shore Estuary by providing valuable funding to Reserve communities for implementation of priority projects," said New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, chair of the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Council. "The Department of State will continue to work with these municipalities to support Governor Cuomo’s investment in the health of Long Island’s South Shore Estuary ecosystem and communities."

In the Town of Hempstead, there are a range of projects. One will survey the population of the protected diamondback terrapin turtles in the town. The town will also use funds to continue work on the South Shore Blueway Trail plan, which is creating a kayaking/paddle boating path along the coast. And the town will also try to construct an oyster reef at the Long Beach High School research pond. Recreating New York's oyster reefs is part of an ongoing plan to reseed the coast with oysters, which will reduce the wave damage from storms.

Nassau County received $50,000 to harvest water chestnuts, an invasive species, from Massapequa Lake.

The Village of Rockville Centre received nearly $37,000 in grant money to replace the filters on its existing sewer drains to improve water quality, and also to fund educational materials about the hazards of dumping waste into drains.

The Village of Freeport received two $50,000 grants. One will fund the installation of catch basin inserts in 37 locations in the industrial area of the village, in order to help reduce debris flowing into the sewer system. The second grant will be used to create a kayak launch at one of the village's waterfront parks, expanding access to the South Shore Blueway Trail.

For a full list of all the projects, click here.

Photo: Walter Mugdan