Political Quotes

“I rise today to introduce a most important piece of legislation for the State of New York, and to ask my Senate colleagues for their support. This bill directs the Secretary of the Army to repair a section of waterfront parkland in the Bronx, New York, known as Orchard Beach. My colleague in New York City, Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, has worked hard for many years to get this beach--so beloved by the citizens of the Bronx--restored to its former glory. Orchard Beach is a splendid natural sanctuary and recreational spot within the Bronx, which is one of New York City's most urbanized areas. Orchard Beach provides a welcome respite from urban living and is particularly valued by low-income families with children who cannot afford summer homes or trips to the tonier beach resorts on Long Island or the Jersey shore. Over two million people visit Orchard Beach annually. For many of New York's working families, it offers the only affordable and convenient place for their children to play in the sea and sand. In addition, the beach and surrounding wetlands and salt marshes provide a vital habitat for many marine creatures, including crabs, lobsters, striped bass and winter flounder, as well as numerous species of overwintering waterfowl. But today, the beach is in urgent need of repair--there is widespread erosion due to repeated storm damage, threatening both the recreational utility of the beach and the stability of the animal and ocean life habitats.”