Joe Crowley: “I support H.R. 3313, the Long Island Sound Restoration Act. I congratulate Representative Nancy Johnson for crafting…”

“I support H.R. 3313, the Long Island Sound Restoration Act. I congratulate Representative Nancy Johnson for crafting this bi-partisan legislation that represents an excellent step in the right direction towards cleaning up and maintaining the water quality of Long Island Sound. A great many of my constituents benefit from this water body--whether it be vacationing on her beautiful beaches, working on her shores or eating the fish products caught in the Sound. Long Island Sound is a vital lifeline for the people of my district and of the whole tri-state area. Unfortunately, with the population explosion along the shores of Long Island Sound, new threats are appearing. This legislation will increase the funding for the Long Island Sound Office by $77 million. Additionally, this legislation will address the efforts to reduce nitrogen discharges into the Sound and authorizes the surrounding states to provide additional subsidies to designated distressed communities from a state's clean water fund. Finally, this legislation will not hinder the environmentally important dredging efforts occurring in communities surrounding Long Island Sound. In my district, dredging operations have vastly improved both the economic as well as the environmental climate in a number of communities.”