(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,C,I-Glen Head) has sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo highlighting the need to rescind his proposed cut of $900,000 from the centers for the county police Marine Patrols in this year’s state budget.
“I strongly believe that going through with these significant cuts is shortsighted and should be seriously reconsidered,” said Montesano. “The county police Marine Patrols help to protect travelers of our waterways and marinas. There are roughly 100,000 boats registered on Long Island alone, and these cuts will put residents and visitors at risk.”
Montesano also said the funding, which supports Marine Patrol units in Long Island, Westchester and New York City, is already lacking. In addition to the bay constables for each town, the Marine Patrol currently has just one boat designated to cover the south shore of Nassau County, and one for the north shore.
“The collaborative efforts between the Marine Patrol and bay constables are already at a great disadvantage in comparison to the areas they cover,” said Montesano. “Our marine patrols and bay constables are out there daily, enforcing laws ranging from fishing to BWIs, assisting disabled boaters and conducting rescue missions, as well as responding to accidents and drug traffickers. It’s not feasible for them to adequately patrol the area now, let alone with hundreds of thousands in funding taken away. We can’t allow our waterways to become a free-for-all for commercial fisherman and recreational boaters. To ensure our local and regional economy is not impacted negatively, laws must be enforced and safety must remain a priority.”
