New York State Awards $2.4 Million in Grants for Long Island South Shore Comprehensive Management Plan

Strategic Insights -

New York State has announced eight community projects and nonprofit awards totaling $2.4 million in funding through the South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) Local Assistance Grants Program. These awards aim to improve water quality, increase shoreline resilience, improve habitat health, and advance environmental education and economic development. The funding is part of the Strategic Investment Plan, developed by the Department of State in consultation with the South Shore Estuary Reserve Council.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $2.4 million in grants will support four municipalities and counties, as well as four organizations, in completing projects throughout the region.
  • The winning projects include:

+ Nassau Soil and Water Conservation District ($236,000): septic system upgrade at a public park

+ Stony Brook University ($819,900): eelgrass restoration and common garden experiment aimed at heat tolerance

+ Citizens Campaign for the Environment ($238,000): marine debris removal and outreach

+ Suffolk County ($275,000): salt marsh restoration

+ Town of Oyster Bay ($244,000): ocean to bay habitat restoration

+ Seatuck Environmental Association ($70,000): diamondback terrapin monitoring and habitat assessment

+ NY Sea Grant ($50,000): community science photo stand project expansion

+ Village of Southampton ($506,000): diadromous fish passage and stream habitat restoration

  • The grants will also support educational programs that advance citizen science within the Reserve.
  • The SSER program is funded through the State's Environmental Protection Fund, which Governor Hochul increased from $300 million to $400 million in 2022.

Statistics:

  • Total funding: $2.4 million
  • Number of grants awarded: 8
  • Total beneficiaries: 4 municipalities, 4 organizations, and numerous communities (1.5 million people)
  • Funding increase under the SSER program: from $900,000 to $2 million (2022)
  • Environmental Protection Fund funding increase: from $300 million to $400 million (2022)

Sources:

  • The New York State Department of State
  • Governor Hochul's office
  • The South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) Council
  • Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine
  • Town of Oyster Bay supervisor Joe Saladino
  • New York State Senator Monica Martinez
  • New York State Senator Siela Bynoe
  • New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages
  • New York State Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni
  • Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment Adrienne Esposito
  • The Nature Conservancy's New York Policy and Strategy Director Jessica Ottney Mahar