Hauppauge, NY -- New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman today announced the completion of the $2.06 million Peconic Estuary Improvement Project on the east end of Long Island. This project will help prevent pollution and enhance the Peconic Estuary system, one of 28 nationally recognized estuaries in the United States.
“We’re proud of this multifaceted project with its 14 different locations that will better protect our natural resources and help ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for our children and generations to come,” Commissioner Boardman said. “This project is a prime example how, under Governor Pataki’s leadership, the DOT is working cooperatively with our fellow public agencies and utilizing our capabilities to expand beyond traditional transportation in order to protect fragile aquatic resources and enhance the quality of life for local residents.”
In cooperation with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Peconic Estuary Program, the Towns of Southold, Riverhead and Shelter Island, and the Suffolk County Department of Parks, the DOT designed, funded, and constructed improvements to roadway storm water run-off, wetlands, and shorelines in order to preserve and enhance the integrity of the area’s ecosystems and natural resources, as well as to optimize opportunities for water recreation. The project included nine (9) locations in the Town of Southold, four (4) locations in the Town of Riverhead, and one (1) location in the Town of Shelter Island. Various innovative approaches were utilized to address each site’s unique improvement needs including: the installation of storm water runoff drainage filtration systems, sediment removal, erosion control and shoreline stabilization with plant material and coconut fiber rolls, tidal and freshwater wetland plantings for biofiltration of storm water runoff, removal of non-native invasive plant species for habitat improvement, as well as the creation of an aesthetically pleasing, stockable, stormwater retention pond (“Skipper Horton Park” in Southold), and an improved canoe access site on the Peconic River on Suffolk County property in Riverhead.
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said, “With the leadership of Governor Pataki, New York is making important and sustainable improvements to the Peconic estuary and its natural resources. The Estuary is one of New York’s most important and fragile ecosystems, providing unique fresh and saltwater habitat to a variety of the State’s most threatened fish, wildlife, and migratory bird species. Through this funding, storm water runoff and nitrogen pollution will be reduced and many wetland areas will be restored. I look forward to continuing our partnership with DOT to ensure the protection of this vital resource.”
“I am pleased that the cooperative effort between the NYS Department of Transportation, the NYS Department of Environmental Conversation, and the towns of Riverhead, Shelter Island and Southold will help protect the health of the Peconic Estuary’s marine habitat,” said Senator Kenneth P. LaValle. “Projects like these not only ensure the protection of our natural resources, they rejuvenate our fishing industries, enhance tourism, and encourage the use of our waters for recreational activities.
Assemblywoman Patricia Acampora said, “On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of people like myself who enjoy the Peconic waterways as sources of recreation, beauty, and tranquility, I thank Governor Pataki, the DOT, the DEC, the Peconic Estuary Program, and all the groups who worked together and took the initiative to provide these unique, forward-thinking, and valuable ecological improvements for the benefit of east end residents. I believe water quality improvements such as these should be replicated throughout Long Island until all of our waterways are restored to their original pristine conditions.”
“This project not only provided enhancements to protect the water quality,” stated Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, “but also provided a proper access for kayak and canoe launching with ample parking so that residents can continue to enjoy these recreational opportunities without impacting the watershed.”
Peconic Estuary Program Director, Victor Minei remarked, “Storm water runoff is the largest contributor of bacteria to the Peconic Estuary. We commend NYSDOT’s efforts to improve the water quality of the Peconics and thus help guard against shellfish bed and bathing beach closures. The NYSDOT continues to be a strong PEP partner with projects like this.”
Town of Southold Supervisor, Joshua Y. Horton said, “Mitigation of storm water runoff is perhaps one of our largest environmental protection responsibilities. The commitment of Governor Pataki and the decisive action taken by the NYSDOT will enhance protection of our maritime resources.”
“This impressive joint effort will pay dividends for Riverhead residents for decades to come,” said Riverhead Town Supervisor Phil Cardinale. “Protecting the Peconic Estuary is vital to protecting our quality of life throughout the East End, and I commend all who came together to make it happen.”
Town of Shelter Island Supervisor, Arthur R. Williams said, “The Town of Shelter Island is delighted that the NYS Department of Transportation has made a portion of this funding available to help us enhance the list of projects that we have undertaken to carry our share of the important work that must be done to restore and maintain the vital ecology of the Peconic Estuary.”
Commissioner Boardman concluded, “This encompassing environmental transportation project not only achieved DOT’s goal to improve roadway storm water runoff, it provided us with a unique opportunity to partner with a variety of agencies to preserve and enhance the integrity of the Peconic Estuary ecosystem and, thereby, ensure a healthy and diverse marine community.”
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