Long Island Sound Futures Fund announces $1.3 million in funding for 25 grants

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund will support the health and ecosystem of Long Island Sound through 25 grants for local government and community groups in Connecticut and New York, totaling $1.3 million in funding.
 
"A healthy Long Island Sound stimulates the economy of the region and these grants will help achieve tangible results on water quality improvements and habitat restoration in the Sound," EPA Regional Administrator Curt Spalding said. "By showcasing local solutions, these grants also help strengthen and expand partnerships working towards ecosystem restoration throughout the watershed."
 
The fund allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to combine funds and collectively target the improvement of the Long Island Sound.

This year’s 25 grants will restore 27 acres on the sound, including coastal habitats, dunes, coastal forests and salt marshes, and will benefit more than 395,000 residents.
 
"One of the greatest environmental challenges facing our nation and its communities is the protection and restoration of highly productive estuaries," National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Executive Director Jeff Trandahl said. "The funding awarded today represents the Foundation's and U.S. EPA's continuing commitment, as well as the commitment of other federal and state partners, to restoration efforts aimed at improving the overall health of Long Island Sound."