Long Island Sound receives over $12 million in vital environmental grants

On December 9, 2024, federal and state environmental agencies, along with officials from New England and New York, announced the distribution of 31 grants totaling over $12 million aimed at enhancing Long Island Sound's ecosystem. These grants, administered through the Long Island Sound Futures Fund and backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are complemented by an equal matching amount from the grantees. The funding impacts projects across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York, showcasing a collaborative effort toward environmental restoration. The primary goals of these grants are to bolster water quality and coastal habitats while also increasing community resilience against climate change. Among the measurable outcomes expected from these projects are the prevention of approximately 1.7 million gallons of stormwater and 190,254 pounds of nitrogen pollution from entering Long Island Sound. This comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate environmental concerns, but it also emphasizes the necessity of engaging local communities in stewardship and education about the Sound. Since its inception in 2005, the Long Island Sound Futures Fund has demonstrated noteworthy achievements, including the opening of 121 river miles for fish passage and the restoration of 842 acres of vital fish and wildlife habitat. The program has treated over 208 million gallons of stormwater pollution and involved millions of individuals in various protective initiatives. The recently awarded funding contributes to ongoing efforts and reflects a longstanding commitment by the EPA and local partners to ensure a healthier watershed for future generations. Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has highlighted the importance of this funding for local projects, which will benefit thousands of students and improve public access to coastal areas. The collaborative and proactive nature of these initiatives signals an encouraging advancement in the protection of one of the region's most essential natural resources. As the projects unfold, they promise lasting benefits to both the ecosystem and the communities reliant on the health of Long Island Sound.