$2.8 Million in Grants Awarded in New England to Improve the Health of Long Island Sound | US EPA – U.S. EPA.gov

News Releases from Region 01Twenty-four grants awarded to projects in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont

12/07/2020

703-623-3834

Long Island Sound Watershed, New York (December 7, 2020) Today, top federal and state environmental officials from New England announced 24 grants totaling $2.8 million to local governments, nongovernmental organizations and community groups to improve Long Island Sound. The grants are matched by $2.3 million from the grantees resulting in $5.1 million in funding for conservation around the Long Island Sound watershed.

Work funded through the Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) has shown how projects led by local groups and communities make a difference in improving water quality and restoring habitat around the Long Island Sound watershed. The grant program combines funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).

"Long Island Sound is vital to local communities, economies and ecosystems, and these grants will greatly benefit the Sound for years to come," said EPA New England Regional Administrator Dennis Deziel. "Protecting and restoring Long Island Sound requires a watershed-wide approach and EPA is proud to again support diverse and innovative projects in five of the states that comprise the Sound's watershed."

The LISFF 2020 grants will reach more than 670,000 residents through environmental education programs and conservation projects. Water quality improvement projects will treat 5.4 million gallons of stormwater, install 23,000-square-feet of green infrastructure and prevent 3,000 pounds of nitrogen from entering Long Island Sound. The projects will also open 3.7 river miles and restore 108 acres of coastal habitat for fish and wildlife.

Representative Rosa DeLauro, Co-chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, added: "The Long Island Sound is one of our most treasured natural resources, and it is vital that we continue to support programs and services that maintain its health and vitality. Having grown up on its shores, the Sound has always held a special place with me, and I am so proud to have the opportunity to work to ensure that its beaches and waters remain places for children and families to enjoy. We have made extraordinary strides, but issues with sewer overflows, stormwater runoff, and other climate change issues challenge us to do more and so we will. As one of the Long Island Sound Caucus leaders, and the incoming Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, which is the committee that has jurisdiction over all discretionary funding, I am thrilled to have helped provide this funding for a revitalized Long Island Sound. I remain committed to working with NFWF and EPA and with my Congressional colleagues, and the many Long Island Sound advocates here today doing this critical conservation work."

"The Long Island Sound is a regional and national treasure, as well as a critical economic, recreational and environmental resource. The $3.8 million investment in these 38 programs throughout the Long Island Sound Watershed will allow us to continue to improve the health and vitality of the Sound" said Representative Lee Zeldin, Co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus. "These community projects will make a real difference in continuing our progress towards cleaning up Long Island Sound. The partnerships funded by today's grants show our commitment to the health of the Sound and to ensuring that our children and grandchildren can enjoy it for generations to come."

"In the last 15 years, we have made incredible strides reducing nitrogen loads, restoring habitat, improving water quality, and involving and educating the public about the Long Island Sound. That progress is a direct result of smart investments and an all hands-on deck approach from stakeholders. This $3.8 million investment shows we are committed to protecting the future health and waterways of the Long Island Sound," said Representative Thomas Suozzi, Co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus. "The Long Island Sound is our 'National Park.' I grew up swimming and fishing here, and I've raised my children in and around the bays and harbors of the Long Island Sound. Preserving and protecting our most precious resource has, and always will be, a priority of mine. As Co-chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, I have helped increase funding for the Long Island Sound by 500% since I have been in Congress and I will keep fighting to protect the Sound and all its beauty."

"Estuaries and their surrounding lands and waters represent some of the most productive ecosystems in the world," said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "Through 15 years of grant-making, the Long Island Sound Futures Fund has supported projects to improve the Sound by fostering environmental stewardship and public awareness and education, restoring habitat for fish and wildlife, preventing pollution, and enhancing the resilience of coastal communities."

The Long Island Sound Study initiated the LISFF in 2005 through the EPA's Long Island Sound Office and NFWF. Prior to this year's grants, the LISFF invested $23 million in 450 projects. The program has generated an additional $40 million in grantee match, for a total conservation impact of $63 million for regional and local projects. The projects have added 105 river miles for fish passage, restored 773 acres of critical fish and wildlife habitat, treated 200 million gallons of pollution, and educated and engaged 3 million people in protection and restoration of the Sound. For more information about LISFF accomplishments follow the link to Long Island Sound 15 Years of Conservation Success (PDF) (30 pp, 7.7 MB, About PDF).Exit

"Investing in our coastal marshes pays off -- they protect property and infrastructure from flooding, provide clean water, and support fishery, recreation and tourism industries," said Sharon Marino, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service North Atlantic-Appalachian assistant regional director. "We're pleased to contribute funding to projects this year that will also help the saltmarsh sparrow, a bird whose drastic declines demand urgent efforts to save our salt marshes. Together, we can begin to turn the tide for this species and others."

"Connecticut DEEP is committed to preserving and protecting Long Island Sound and the rivers that flow to it for the benefit of all who live, work, and recreate in its watershed," said Katie Dykes, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. "This year, we are honored to celebrate the awarding of over $1.8 million in grants to 16 recipients in Connecticut, which also leverage over $1.45 million in local funding. These projects will protect and improve the health of Long Island Sound by promoting habitat restoration, equitable access to the outdoors, sustainable resilient communities, and water quality improvements."

Long Island Sound is an estuary that provides economic and recreational benefits to millions of people while also providing habitat for more than 1,200 invertebrates, 170 species of fish and dozens of species of migratory birds.

The grant projects contribute to a healthier Long Island Sound for everyone, from nearby area residents to those at the furthest reaches of the Sound. All 9 million people who live, work and play in the watershed impacting the Sound can benefit from and help build on the progress that has already been made.

About the National Fish and Wildlife FoundationChartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 5,000 organizations and generated a total conservation impact of $6.1 billion. Learn more at http://www.nfwf.org. Exit

About the Long Island Sound StudyThe Long Island Sound Study, developed under the EPA's National Estuary Program, is a cooperative effort between the EPA and the states of Connecticut and New York to protect and restore the Sound and its ecosystem. To learn more about the Long Island Sound Study, visit http://www.longislandsoundstudy.net. Exit

Project Title: Restoring Great Meadows Marsh on Long Island SoundGrantee: National Audubon Society (Audubon Connecticut)Project Area: Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, ConnecticutLISFF Grant Funds: $499,974Grantee Matching Funds: $500,249Total Conservation Impact: $1,000,223Restore 40 acres of salt marsh and other coastal habitats at Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge's Great Meadows Marsh in Stratford, Connecticut.

Project Title: Fish Passage on the Bulkley Pond DamGrantee: Aspetuck Land TrustProject Area: Bulkley Pond Dam, Sasco Brook, Fairfield and Westport, ConnecticutLISFF Grant Funds: $143,300Grantee Matching Funds: $95,700Total Conservation Impact: $239,000Remove a barrier to fish passage at Bulkley Pond Dam, Sasco Brook in Fairfield and Westport, Connecticut.

Project Title: Ensuring a Resilient Coastal Forest to Address Changing Climate in Southeastern ConnecticutGrantee: University of ConnecticutProject Area: Hoffman Evergreen Preserve, Stonington, ConnecticutLISFF Grant Funds: $57,144Grantee Matching Funds: $33,600Total Conservation Impact: $90,744Deliver a comprehensive strategy of coastal forest management at the Hoffman Evergreen Preserve in Stonington, Connecticut.

Project Title: Restoration and Stewardship of Coastal Forest and Dune at the Smith Hubbell Wildlife SanctuaryGrantee: Connecticut Audubon SocietyProject Area: The Smith Hubbell Wildlife Sanctuary Milford, ConnecticutLISFF Grant Funds: $44,468Grantee Matching Funds: $45,474Total Conservation Impact: $89,942Restore coastal beach/dune and forest habitat at the Smith Hubbell Wildlife Sanctuary, Milford Point, Connecticut.

Project Title: Planning for a "Nature Based" Living Shoreline at the Mouth of the Housatonic RiverGrantee: Sacred Heart UniversityProject Area: Housatonic River, Stratford, ConnecticutLISFF Grant Funds: $67,610Grantee Matching Funds: $75,000Total Conservation Impact: $142,610Create a permit-ready design for a living shoreline at the mouth of the Housatonic River in Stratford, Connecticut.

Project Title: Planning for a Nature-Like Fishway for Long Pond DamGrantee: Connecticut Fund for the Environment/Save the SoundProject Area: Long Pond Dam, Whitford Brook, Ledyard, ConnecticutLISFF Grant Funds: $172,000Grantee Matching Funds: $85,964Total Conservation Impact: $257,964Develop a plan to install fish passage on Long Pond Dam, Whitford Brook, Ledyard, Connecticut.

Project Title: Hepburn Living Shoreline ProjectGrantee: Connecticut River Watershed Council, Inc.Project Area: Borough of Fenwick, ConnecticutLISFF Grant Funds: $226,026Grantee Matching Funds: $175,000Total Conservation Impact: $401,026Construct a living shoreline along a barrier spit on Long Island Sound in Fenwick, Connecticut.

Project Title: Rapid Action Plans to Deliver Green Infrastructure in Coastal Connecticut CommunitiesGrantee: University of ConnecticutProject Area: Farm River, Branford River and Neck River watersheds, ConnecticutLISFF Funds: $272,376Grantee Matching Funds: $136,254Total Conservation Impact: $408,630Develop and implement five green infrastructure projects and provide guidance to local government in communities of the South-Central Basin of Connecticut.

Project Title: Watershed Planning to Reduce Water Pollution in the Pootatuck River Basin of Long Island SoundGrantee: Town of NewtownProject Area: Pootatuck River watershed, Newtown, ConnecticutLISFF Grant Funds: $29,216Grantee Matching Funds: $15,717Total Conservation Impact: $44,933Develop a watershed plan for the Pootatuck watershed in Newtown, Connecticut.

Project Title: Still River Watershed Plan Implementation: Brookfield Public Works Stormwater RetrofitGrantee: Town of Brookfield, ConnecticutProject Area: Brookfield, ConnecticutLISFF Grant Funds: $24,299Grantee Matching Funds: $13,150Total Conservation Impact: $37,458Develop design plans and secure permits for a green infrastructure retrofit at the public works facility in Brookfield, Connecticut.

Project Title: Share the Shore with Shorebirds: A Coastal Stewardship ProgramGrantee: National Audubon Society (Audubon Connecticut)Project Area: Coastal ConnecticutLISFF Funds: $75,285Matching Funds: $77,168Total Conservation Impact: $152,453Provide education and deliver targeted stewardship of American oystercatcher and other migratory shorebirds and habitat along Connecticut's Long Island Sound coast.

Project Title: Community Conservation Stewardship in New HavenGrantee: Neighborhood Housing Services of New HavenProject Area: Newhallville neighborhood and Beaver Ponds Park, New Haven, ConnecticutLISFF Grant Funds: $17,812Grantee Matching Funds: $24,219Total Conservation Impact: $42,031Conduct environmental education and community stewardship projects in New Haven, Connecticut.

Project Title: City of New London Watershed Management PlanGrantee: City of New London, ConnecticutProject Area: New London, ConnecticutLISFF Grant Funds: $50,000Grantee Matching Funds: $50,000Total Conservation Impact: $100,000Develop a watershed management plan in for New London, Connecticut.

Project Title: A Plastic Free Long Island Sound ProgramGrantee: Sea Research FoundationProject Area: The Mystic Aquarium and Groton, New London, Colchester, Stonington, and Norwich, ConnecticutLISFF Grant Funds: $48,042Grantee Matching Funds: $32,288Total Conservation Impact: $80,330Conduct a Long Island Sound-based educational program about the impact of plastic pollution at the Mystic Aquarium and surrounding communities in Connecticut.

Project Title: Water Quality Monitoring to Improve Fairfield County Waterways and Long Island Sound-VIGrantee: Earthplace The Nature Discovery CenterProject Location: Norwalk River Watershed, ConnecticutLISFF Funds: $73,890Grantee Matching Funds: $56,646Total Conservation Impact: $130,536Conduct water quality monitoring to help improve nine waterways affected by pollution in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Project Title: Planning to Reduce Nitrogen Pollution and Improve Water Quality in Long Island SoundGrantee: City of ChicopeeProject Area: Water Pollution Control Facility, Chicopee, MassachusettsLISFF Grant Funds: $14,738Grantee Matching Funds: $14,737Total Conservation Impact: $29,475Prepare a study to identify low-cost improvements to reduce nitrogen pollution from a water pollution control facility in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

Project Title: Reducing Nitrogen into Long Island Sound at the Springfield Regional Wastewater Treatment FacilityGrantee: Springfield Water and Sewer CommissionProject Area: Springfield, MassachusettsLISFF Funds: $290,385Matching Funds: $168,000Total Conservation Impact: $458,385Install instruments to enhance nitrogen removal at the Springfield Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Project Title: Green Infrastructure to Reduce Nitrogen Pollution at Montague Town HallGrantee: Town of Montague, Planning DepartmentProject Area: Village of Turners Falls, MassachusettsLISFF Grant Funds: $10,642Grantee Matching Funds: $5,899Total Conservation Impact: $16,541Construct green infrastructure at Town Hall near the Connecticut River in Turners Falls, Massachusetts.

Project Title: Restoring Riverbanks to Reduce NitrogenGrantee: Connecticut River Watershed CouncilProject Area: Upper Connecticut River in Coos County to Hinsdale in Cheshire County, New HampshireLISFF Grant Funds: $281,063Grantee Matching Funds: $281,900Total Conservation Impact: $532,963Install bioengineered streambank stabilization and riparian restoration projects in Coos and Cheshire counties in New Hampshire.

Project Title: Planning for Pocket Wetland Restoration to Prevent Nitrogen Pollution from FarmsGrantee: Vermont Association of Conservation DistrictsProject Area: Connecticut River Basin, VermontLISFF Grant Funds: $49,925Grantee Matching Funds: $49,925Total Conservation Impact: $99,850Develop 14 watershed plans to identify high-priority areas to restore pocket wetlands in agricultural fields in Vermont's Connecticut River Basin.

Project Title: Planning for Cover Cropping to Reduce NitrogenGrantee: Essex County Natural Resources Conservation DistrictProject Area: Upper Connecticut River Basin, Essex County, VermontLISFF Grant Funds: $24,520Grantee Matching Funds: $24,776Total Conservation Impact: $49,296Develop a cover cropping species mix, planting strategy and methods for monitoring reductions in nitrogen from farm runoff in Essex County, Connecticut.

Project Title: Incentivizing Ecological Restoration and Best Management Practices on Vermont FarmlandGrantee: Vermont Land TrustProject Area: Connecticut River Watershed, VermontLISFF Grant Funds: $199,477Grantee Matching Funds: $125,000Total Conservation Impact: $324,477Produce ecological assessments and riparian/wetland restoration plans for 12 farmland conservation projects and an associated plan for a market-based financing model in the Connecticut River Watershed in Vermont.

Project Title: Stakeholder Engagement and Planning for Eelgrass Protection on Fishers IslandGrantee: Henry L. Ferguson MuseumProject Area: Fishers Island, New York and New London County, ConnecticutLISFF Funds: $44,798Grantee Matching Funds: $33,661Total Conservation Impact: $78,459Deliver an education program to stakeholder communities presenting scenarios for eelgrass protection at Fishers Island, New York and New London, Connecticut.

Project Title: Deploying a Nitrogen Reclamation Project in the Long Island Sound WatershedGrantee: Rich Earth InstituteProject Area: Rockingham, Windham County, Vermont, Franklin County, Massachusetts and Cheshire County, New HampshireLISFF Grant Funds: $96,734Grantee Matching Funds: $167,500Total Conservation Impact: $264,234Enhance the deployment of nitrogen reclamation technology in Windham County, Vermont, Franklin County, Massachusetts and Cheshire County, New Hampshire.

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$2.8 Million in Grants Awarded in New England to Improve the Health of Long Island Sound | US EPA - U.S. EPA.gov