Governor Hochul Announces $4.2 Million Dedicated to Support Long Island’s Aquaculture Industry

$3 Million Awarded to 14 Projects Through Round 2 of the Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program Awards

Governor Hochul announced that $3 million has been awarded to 14 small businesses to support Long Island’s aquaculture industry through Round 2 of the Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program. Funding will help these producers make infrastructure upgrades, streamline operations and increase production. The program, which has dedicated a total of $4.2 million to New York’s aquaculture industry through two rounds, is a part of the State’s Blue Food Transformation initiative, first announced in Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2024 State of the State. Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Governor Hochul’s request for a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretarial Disaster Designation for Suffolk County following the severe economic losses growers sustained this past winter as a result of severe ice conditions.

“New York State is home to a thriving, unique agriculture industry that doesn’t stop when you reach the shoreline. Long Island’s historic seafood industry is second to none, helping to strengthen local food supply chains, bolster our state’s economy, and upholding a legacy of excellence and dedication to industry,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud to champion this program that provides critical infrastructure support for our aquaculture farmers, ensuring that they can continue to thrive for years to come.”

The Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program is being administered for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets by the Farm and Food Growth Fund. The Infrastructure Grants announced fund infrastructure projects, including construction, renovation, or installation of buildings, docks, equipment, or permanent or temporary facilities to support aquaculture businesses operating on Long Island.

The list of awardees follows:

• WROC, LLC
• Hampton Oyster Company
• Davy Jones Landing
• Oysterponds Shellfish LLC
• Lucky 13 Oysters
• East Hampton Oyster Company
• Scrimshaw Enterprises LLC
• Hart Lobster, Co.
• Thatch Island
• Peconic Gold Oysters Inc.
• North Fork Big Oyster Corp
• Jeffrey M. Kraus
• Dune Fishery LLC
• Cornelius & Little Ram Oyster Company LLC.

Funding awarded through the first round of the program, which was dedicated to purchasing or upgrading equipment, was announced in October at a special event held by Commissioner Ball and the Farm and Food Growth Fund at Hampton Oyster Company in New Suffolk. The first round awarded $1.2 million to 17 businesses on Long Island.

In early April, Governor Hochul requested a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretarial Disaster Designation for Suffolk County. Following heavy snowfall and multi-week severe freeze conditions in February 2026, the county’s aquaculture grower operations faced an estimated combined $2.4 million loss in production. In addition, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball and Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton visited several shellfish producers to survey the damage they sustained from the extreme weather. A Disaster Designation would allow affected growers to apply for USDA low-interest emergency loans. 

New York’s Seafood Industry

Long Island’s shellfish aquaculture industry represents an important component of New York’s agricultural sector and coastal economy, consisting largely of small and family-owned operations that contribute to regional seafood production and employment. According to the most recent USDA Census of Agriculture, the aquaculture industry accounts for over 25 percent of farms on Long Island, with 155 operations in Suffolk County and 15 in Nassau County.​ Combined, the two counties generated over $14.5 million in sales in 2022.

Blue Food Transformation

The Blue Food Transformation Initiative was announced in the Governor’s 2024 State of the State to increase consumer demand for local food and strengthen the local food system. These investments further the Governor’s commitment to boost demand for New York agricultural products, bolster New York's food supply chain, and ensure all New Yorkers can access fresh, local foods.

The Long Island Seafood Cuisine trail, which was launched in March 2025, is also funded through the Governor’s Blue Food Transformation initiative. The South Shore Trail runs from Bay Shore to Montauk, and the North Shore Trail, which was recently opened, runs from Oyster Bay to Greenport. The trail is intended to drive business and tourism to locations proudly serving and selling locally raised and wild-caught, sustainably harvested fish and shellfish while promoting Long Island’s seafood industry. Visitors are encouraged to download the trail app and follow the trails for locations that are known to appreciate and celebrate the bounty of Long Island’s waters while boosting business and supporting local fishing communities. Visit the Seafood Trail page on the Local Fish website for more information.

Farm and Food Growth Fund

The mission of Farm and Food Growth Fund is to create employment and safe affordable housing, capital access opportunities for low-and-moderate income individuals, families and communities with a focus on farm and food-related industries located in the Northeast Foodshed encompassing parts of the greater Hudson Valley, western Connecticut, western Massachusetts, southern Vermont, and eastern Pennsylvania by stimulating economic vitality through technical assistance services, community development and increasing the flow of capital.

Department of Justice Seeks to Enforce Subpoena Against Hospital that Performs Sex-Rejecting Procedures on Minors

 

The Department of Justice’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas filed a petition in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas to enforce a subpoena issued to Rhode Island Hospital demanding records related to pediatric sex-rejecting procedures.

According to the filed petition, the Department of Justice served a subpoena under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act on Rhode Island Hospital as part of its investigation into the distribution of certain prescription drugs to minors with gender dysphoria and related disorders, including puberty blocking drugs and cross-sex hormones. To date, Rhode Island Hospital has not complied with the subpoena.

“The Department of Justice expects and demands full compliance with validly issued subpoenas like the one at issue here,” said Brett A. Shumate, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. “Non-compliance with lawful process is never an option.”

Additional information about the Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/enforcement-affirmative-litigation-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, visit its website at www.justice.gov/usao-ndtx.

ICE Asks Governor Newsom and California Sanctuary Politicians to Not Release Illegal Alien Arrested for Fatal Stabbing in San Francisco

 

This illegal alien from Venezuela was released into the country by the Biden administration

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the following statement confirming that Wilfredo Jose Tortolero-Arriechi, who is charged in the fatal stabbing of a man in San Francisco, California in December is an illegal alien.

On December 11, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer requesting that California sanctuary politicians not release Tortolero-Arriechi from jail. This criminal illegal alien from Venezuela stabbed 51-year-old Alberto Rangel at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital on December 4. Rangel died of his injuries two days later, on December 6.

The victim: Alberto Rangel

The suspect: Wilfredo Jose Tortolero-Arriechi

“If it weren’t for the Biden administration’s reckless open-border policies, Alberto Rangel would still be alive,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “We are calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to commit to not releasing this murderer from jail. California’s sanctuary policies put American lives at risk. Criminal illegal aliens should not be released from jails back onto our streets to terrorize more innocent Americans. If we work together, we can make America safe again. 7 of the 10 safest cities in the U.S. cooperate with ICE law enforcement.”

In the weeks before the attack, Tortolero-Arriechi reportedly threatened his doctor and staff at the hospital. He now faces charges for homicide and use of a deadly weapon, and is currently being held at the San Francisco County Jail.

U.S. Border Patrol agents first encountered Tortolero-Arriechi in 2023. He was then released into the country by the Biden administration.

In February, ICE Director Todd Lyons sent a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta calling on him to put the safety of Americans first and honor ICE arrest detainers of the more than 33,000 criminal illegal aliens in California’s custody.

DEC ANNOUNCES $2.1 MILLION IN GRANTS, HIGHLIGHTS BENEFITS OF COMPOSTING DURING NEW YORK STATE COMPOST AWARENESS WEEK MAY 3-9

 

New Yorkers Encouraged to Explore Composting Options in their Communities

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is celebrating New York State Compost Awareness Week May 3 through May 9, and announcing more than $2.1 million in grant awards for statewide efforts encouraging New Yorkers to explore the benefits of composting. This year’s awareness week theme is Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us. 

“All New Yorkers can play a role in reducing food waste and decreasing the amount of material sent to the landfills,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Composting can be done at home, or by separating food scraps for collection and transport to a composting facility in your area. Every little bit helps build more sustainable communities.” 

Compost can improve soil, prevent erosion, and reduce the use of fertilizer. Compost is also a water-saving natural resource that can save money- as well as decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or combustion facilities. Reducing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills reduces the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. 

In addition to the grant awards, DEC’s Division of Materials Management is also launching a new Grants Data Portal, an interactive web-based mapper that contains a comprehensive dataset of grants awarded to enhancing food donation and organics recycling related projects. This streamlined portal with enhanced access to grants data now provides municipalities, non-profits, local government officials, and the general public a better understanding of New York State’s investment in organic waste diversion infrastructure. 

More than $2.1 million is being awarded to help promote composting statewide by supporting municipalities in starting or expanding municipal food scraps recycling programs. A total of 27 municipalities will receive funding, up to $200,000, in this latest round of grants for projects that will increase residential food scraps recycling or enhance food scraps recycling programs and facilities. 

With funding provided by the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), DEC previously awarded nearly $6 million to municipalities since the program was first created in 2018 to assist with growing organics recycling opportunities and increase accessibility to composting opportunities for New York State residents. Funds for organics management-related projects have also been distributed through DEC’s Climate Smart Communities grant program, as well as the Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling program. 

Highlights of the 27 municipalities receiving funding include: 

Long Island

Village of Port Washington North, $75,300: Launch and operate a municipal food scraps drop-off program in collaboration with Residents Forward, a local environmental and sustainability not-for-profit organization. The primary target is 1,300 households, including single-family homes, garden apartments, and a 55+ condominium community. Food scraps will also be collected at the Guggenheim Elementary School, and the school program will be supported with training and education for students and staff. 

Mid-Hudson

Village of Woodbury, $7,668: Enhance the village’s food scraps recycling program by establishing a local food scraps collection site. The collection site will be set up in a proposed public park with trails and a community garden. The compost produced at this site will enrich the community garden to be established here and may be made available to residents for use in home gardens. 

North Country

Town of Westport, $25,000: Develop and launch a pilot food scraps collection program at the local transfer station. The town will also partner with a local food waste reduction and composting specialist to offer community-scale education and awareness programming, as well as signage and promotional materials to support the program. 

Village of Canton, $20,172: Expand food scraps recycling infrastructure in the village by installing three publicly accessible food scrap collection bins in the community, partnering with North Country Compost for site maintenance and hauling, supporting residents in composting by providing countertop food scrap caddies, and promoting food scraps recycling through a partnership with a local middle school. The project anticipates diverting 51,600 pounds of food scraps over one year. 

Western NY

Genesee Valley School District, $133,804: Develop, implement, and scale a food scraps reduction program across the campus and region that defines the district. The district will purchase and install an in-vessel composter and construct supporting infrastructure to enable site-based composting of staff- and student-generated food scraps. The project will be scaled to include food scraps collection from the general community and at least one other community agency. 

Salamanca City School District, $87,523: Develop a food scraps recycling program that will collect food scraps from school kitchens and compost them on-site. This project aims to reduce food waste from school cafeterias and divert it for recycling while educating and involving students in the process to give them hands-on learning experiences of the benefits of composting. 

New York City

New York City Housing Authority, $200,000: The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) will establish new residential food scrap drop-off sites at NYCHA housing developments in East Harlem that do not currently have any infrastructure for food scraps collection. NYCHA will also add collection points at one development that already has a food scraps drop-off point. NYCHA residents at these developments are not served by the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) curbside organics collection program, so this initiative will bring food scraps collection services to more New York City residents. 

New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law

The New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law helps to reduce waste and climate-altering emissions caused by landfilling while providing quality food to New Yorkers in need and food scraps to organics recyclers across New York State. Starting January 1, 2027, the law will expand to include additional businesses, institutions and other entities that generate 1 ton of wasted food per week or more. Additionally, the requirement to recycle food scraps will increase from 25 to 50 miles. The law will expand once again starting January 1, 2029 to include businesses, institutions and other entities that generate one half ton of wasted food per week or more. 

DEC is amending State regulations (6 NYCRR Part 350) to implement the 2025 legislative amendments to the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law enacted in 2019. The revisions reduce the food scraps generation rate required for coverage under the law and extend the distance for determining if a viable organics recycler exists. The public is invited to submit written comments on the proposed rulemaking through June 2, 2026. 

“DEC Doest What?!” Podcast Highlights Composting

In the April 29 episode of the “DEC Does What?!” Podcast, DEC Region 4 Director Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Adriana Espinoza are joined by two staff members from the Division of Material Management’s Organics Reduction and Recycling Section. Kristine Ellsworth, Environmental Engineer, and Miranda Wolf, Environmental Program Specialist, highlighting International Compost Awareness Week and DEC’s efforts to prevent wasted food and promote composting for all New Yorkers. 

New York Center for Organics Recycling and Education 

With funding provided by DEC, Cornell is host to the New York Center for Organics Recycling and Education (NYCORE), a new initiative that will continue and expand the work of the Cornell Waste Management Institute (CWMI). The applied research and extension work will focus on enhancing composting, compost and biochar use, and other organics management practices on farms across New York State. 

NYCORE is available to provide free, hands-on assistance to farmers, municipalities, communities, individuals, and businesses through site visits, train-the-trainer events, webinars, tours, workshops, and deployment of educational resources. Inquire about technical assistance services and other opportunities to collaborate with the NY-CORE team at nycore@cornell.edu. To receive information about activities and events subscribe to their quarterly newsletter at this sign up form and follow @ny_organics_education on social media. 

Debbie Aller, Director - NYCORE said, "We are thrilled to be able to continue and expand the nearly 40 years of work in organics management done by the CWMI through NYCORE. There are countless opportunities to turn 'wastes' into resources for farms and communities across New York State and we are glad that we can continue to provide the science-based knowledge for this to be done safely and sustainably. Our team is excited for the future of organics management in New York State and incredibly thankful to DEC for their support." 

Composting Resources

DEC recently released a home composting guide. This guide helps you decide which home composting option is best for you. Composting at home doesn’t just start or end with composting in your backyard, there are many ways to participate:

• Compost In Your Backyard
• Compost indoors with worms (vermicomposting)
• Participate in a food scraps drop-off program
• Participate in curbside collection of food scraps
• Purchase compost made by compost facilities in New York State

On DEC’s home composting webpage, interactive maps are available to help find a food scraps drop off program, residential food scraps collection service or locations to purchase compost made by compost facilities in New York State. 

Individuals, organizations, and local governments interested in connecting with other compost educators or community organizers during for New York State Compost Awareness Week or who would like to receive the Compost Awareness Week Plug & Play Social Media Toolkit are encouraged to contact DEC’s Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov. 

For more information on New York’s Compost Awareness Week and how all New Yorkers can help compost and take other steps to reduce food waste at homes and businesses, visit DEC’s website. 

15th Annual I Love My Park Day a Success

 

Volunteers Drive 15th Annual 'I Love My Park' Day Across New York State

More than 5,000 Volunteers Support 150+ Events to Prepare Parks and Public Lands for the Summer Season

The 15th annual “I Love My Park Day” brought together more than 5,000 volunteers at over 150 state parks, historic sites and public lands across New York State today. The event, hosted by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), is the largest statewide volunteer initiative dedicated to enhancing New York’s outdoor spaces while raising awareness of their ongoing needs. 

“I Love My Park Day” complements Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside initiative which encourages New York youth and families to step away from screens, prioritize  their mental and physical well-being  and enjoy the benefits of time outdoors.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “This incredible turnout speaks to the deep connection New Yorker’s have with their parks and public lands. Volunteers play an essential role in keeping these spaces welcoming, accessible, and ready for the millions who visit each year. I Love My Park Day is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together through stewardship and service. We’re grateful to our partners at Parks & Trails New York and DEC and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors across the state for another busy summer.”

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “As one of the largest conservation-focused volunteer events in our great State, I Love My Park Day reflects our shared commitment to protecting our public lands and wild places. Thank you to the thousands of volunteers who joined statewide stewardship efforts and projects to support and improve our outdoor spaces."

Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, “I Love My Park Day shows what’s possible when people come together in a shared spirit of stewardship. For 15 years, volunteers across the state have given their time and energy not just to care for public lands, but to strengthen the bond between communities and the landscapes that sustain them. That kind of collective action is powerful. It transforms parks into places of connection and pride. We thank every volunteer who stepped up this year to ensure New York’s green spaces remain welcoming and resilient for everyone who enjoys them.”

Volunteer projects took place in every corner of the state – from Long Island to the Hudson Valley, from the Mohawk Valley to the Southern Tier, from the Finger Lakes to Western New York and into the Adirondacks. Participants completed a wide range of site improvement projects including the removal of debris, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, addressing invasive species and planting 2,000 trees, 700 more than last year.

Parks & Trails New York

Parks & Trails New York is New York's leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space for all. With thousands of members and supporters across the state, PTNY is a leading voice in the protection of New York's magnificent state park system and the creation and promotion of more than 1,500 miles of greenways, bike paths, river walks and trails. More information can be found here. 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation manages five million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, 55 campgrounds and day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers. Plan your next outdoor adventure and connect with @NYSDEC on social media.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 86 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call (518) 474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom. 

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

SENATOR RIVERA IN ALBANY

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS TAX THE RICH DAY OF ACTION IN ALBANY

This week, Senator Rivera joined colleagues, unions, advocacy organizations and New Yorkers personally facing the loss of their essential services due to federal funding cuts to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to make the very wealthy pay their fair share in taxes. 

While the Governor's recently proposed pied-à-terre tax on luxury second homes in New York City is a step in the right direction, it is not going to be enough to fill in our City's $5.4 billion dollar budget shortfall or would provide anything for the rest of the state.

By taxing the rich, which is a very popular policy among New Yorkers, we will invest in our healthcare and education systems as well as in affordable housing, public infrastructure, food security, among others.

JOB OPPORTUNITY WITH THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)'s Division of Environmental Health/Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation is actively recruiting qualified candidates for the high-priority vacancy of Public Health Inspector, Level I (Multiple Vacancies Available).

Candidates in possession of the minimum qualification requirements of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 30 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, i.e., biology, botany, chemistry, geology, physics, or physiology are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about this job opening and application, click link here.

In addition, DOHMH will hold an in-person hiring event in the second week of June. All interested candidates must immediately engage in the following three (3) steps:

 

1) Immediately complete the survey enclosed in this link https://nycdohmh.surveymonkey.com/r/TFVFXX7 by uploading your resume and unofficial school transcript for review by Hiring Managers.

2) Indicate your availability for the hiring event in the second week of June:

• Event Schedule:
• Session 1:
• Registration: 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM
• Presentation, Writing Sample, and PHS Talk: 9:30 AM (boardroom)
• Interviews: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Session 2:
• Registration: 1 – 1:30 PM
• Presentation, Writing Sample, and PHS Talk: 1:30 PM (boardroom)
• Interviews: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

 

3) Register for our Career Information Session on Thursday 6/4/26 between 10:30AM – 12:00PM. Registration Link: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/297f7625-cb0a-4b59-99b5-1cd43bcad56d@69c73202-5c6f-48f1-a1ac-e1b0ef826a1e

 

Candidates who complete all three steps as described above and meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position will be sent a follow-up email invite for our upcoming In-Person Food Safety & Community Sanitation Hiring Event!

In the interim, should you require additional information about this job opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact bfscsrecruitment@health.nyc.gov or Recruit@health.nyc.gov.

Applications for NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commercial Revitilization Grants are now open! These grants offer funding to help Community Based Organizations (CBOs) across the city to enact programs and delivery servicess to increase foot traffic on commercial corridors, enhance the public realm, and build organizational management and leadership capacity.

 

Grants include but are not limited to:

• Merchant Organizing Grant: Funding to support projects that aim to form new merchants associations or revitalize existing ones.
• BID Development Grants: Funding for the staffing, planning, and implementation of a Business Improvement District (BID) formation or expansion proposal
• Small BID Support Grants: Funding to support smaller BIDs address issues of resource access and equity across the city
• Avenue NYC Commercial Revitalization Grants: Funding to CBOs conduct carry out a Commercial Needs Assessment (CDNA) and programs targeting commercial districts in LMI communities.
• Public Realm Grant: Funding for CBOs to design, produce, and install creative streetscape improvement projects on commercial corridors such as lighting, public art, or wayfinding.

Upcoming info sessions:

• Avenue NYC Commercial Revitalization Grant  (Info session on 04/30 at 10:00 AM).
• Funding to CBOs conduct carry out a Commercial Needs Assessment (CDNA) and programs targeting commercial districts in LMI communities.
• Public Realm Grant (Info session on 05/05 at 3:00 PM).
• Funding for CBOs to design, produce, and install creative streetscape improvement projects on commercial corridors such as lighting, public art, or wayfinding.



To learn more, please visit our application site to see the list of grants and and share with CBOs in your district. Feel free to post the link or the application site.