NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE ANNOUNCES $2.4M IN GRANTS TO LONG ISLAND COMMUNITIES TO ADVANCE PRESERVATION OF SOUTH SHORE ESTUARY RESERVE

 

Awards to Assist the Long Island South Shore Comprehensive Management Plan to Improve the Health of the Estuary

Eight Community Projects Will Help Preserve Valuable Natural Resources on Long Island

The New York State Department of State announced eight community projects and nonprofit awards totaling $2.4 million in funding through the South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) Local Assistance Grants Program. These awards will help advance priorities to improve water quality, increase shoreline resilience, improve habitat health, and advance environmental education and economic development. The Grant Program is the first of many steps to implement the $3.5 million through the Strategic Investment Plan, developed by the Department of State, in consultation with the South Shore Estuary Reserve Council. The awards are made in conjunction with National Estuaries Week.

“The South Shore Estuary Reserve is one of New York’s most valuable natural resources, and these grants will help ensure it remains healthy and resilient for generations to come,” Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said. “By investing in these projects, we are advancing the Reserve’s priorities by supporting economic development, outdoor recreation, community resiliency and public education. I would also like to recognize the Council and Advisory Committees for their persistence and dedication to the Reserve. Their local knowledge and technical skills are critical in the goal setting and implementation of the SSER’s goals.”

These grants will assist four municipalities and counties, as well as four organizations complete projects throughout the region. The winners are:

• Nassau Soil and Water Conservation District ($236,000): Septic system upgrade at a public park.
• Stony Brook University ($819,900): Eelgrass restoration, common garden experiment aimed at heat tolerance.
• Citizens Campaign for the Environment ($238,000): Marine debris removal and outreach.
• Suffolk County ($275,000): Salt marsh restoration.
• Town of Oyster Bay ($244,000): Ocean to bay habitat restoration.
• Seatuck Environmental Association ($70,000): Diamondback terrapin monitoring and habitat assessment.
• NY Sea Grant ($50,000): Community science photo stand project expansion.
• Village of Southampton ($506,000): Diadromous fish passage and stream habitat restoration.

Funding under the SSER program is available to municipalities, not-for-profits and academic institutions for projects such as design and engineering for coastal resilience projects, with an emphasis on natural and nature-based approaches; stormwater and marine debris management; design and engineering for public access for recreational activities like kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and other water-based recreation. Grants will also help implement educational programs that advance citizen science within the Reserve.

The program also implements the priorities set forth in the Comprehensive Management Plan, which was updated in 2022 to include improvement of shoreline resiliency. The CMP guides the preservation, protection, restoration and enhancement of the natural resources of the Estuary, while achieving complementary economic and recreational goals.

About the South Shore Estuary Reserve Program

The South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER), administered by the New York State Department of State and locally advised by the SSER Council comprised of municipal and stakeholder partners, was established in 1993 through the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Act, which called for the protection and prudent management of Long Island's South Shore bays and upland areas draining to them. The SSER brings together State and local governments, not-for-profit organizations, academia, local business interests and the public to preserve, protect and enhance the natural, recreational, economic and educational resources of the SSER.

The SSER features vast stretches of sandy beaches, numerous marinas and abundant parks and nature preserves that provide opportunities to swim, boat, fish, hike, observe wildlife and relax. This area is home to 1.5 million people, the SSER is an anchor for Long Island’s tourism, seafood, and recreation industries. The Reserve extends across the southern portions of Nassau and Suffolk Counties and includes: the City of Long Beach; portions of the Towns of Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven and Southampton; and 28 villages. The SSER program works with numerous public and private partners on Long Island and is guided by the SSER Council, which Secretary of State Mosley chairs.