Funding to Improve Long Island Sound Included in House Appropriations Bill

Money to improve the health of Long Island Sound has been included in a House of Representatives appropriations bill.

Rep. Nita Lowey, D-Harrison, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, along with Reps. Steve Israel, NY, and Rosa DeLauro, CT, announced Thursday that $10 million in funding was OK'd by the committee.

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If approved by the full House and Senate and signed by the president, will be used for projects to improve water quality, habitat restoration and water-quality monitoring to improve Long Island Sound, according to information provided by Lowey’s office.

The money was included in the Fiscal Year 2017 Department of Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

It represents an almost $6.1 million increase in funding over the previous year.

"When I was first elected, I promised to do all I could to restore the Long Island Sound," Lowey said. "Our success in sustaining this funding year after year and in substantially increasing it in the House bill this year supports our local economy and preserves the environment.  I will continue fighting to save this essential resource for generations to come.