(Long Island, NY) Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) commends Mr. Chuck Steidle for donating over 530 acres of underwater land to the County of Suffolk for use in its shellfish aquaculture lease program. The underwater lands are located in the Towns of Southampton and Southold. “In today’s challenging economic times, it is encouraging to see a large donation of private property,” said Schneiderman. “This donation will help expand our successful Aquaculture Lease Program in the Peconic Estuary System, which is helping people earn money while improving our water quality.” The Shellfish Aquaculture Lease Program area is located in coastal waters between the North and South forks of Eastern Long Island.
Legislator Schneiderman explained, “The presence of filter-feeding shellfish in local waters contributes to a healthy eco-system. It’s also good for the local economy.” The County’s Aquaculture Lease Program offers local shellfish grower’s leases on small plots of underwater land.
“Shellfish culture in Peconic Bay is part of a century old heritage. A clean marine environment can help to build an economy based on clams and oysters grown in underwater lands. This generous donation adds private property to the base of existing public lands.” stated Legislator Al Krupski.
“Legislator Schneiderman and the Suffolk County Planning Department have done a lot of work to create a successful aquaculture lease program. I am happy to expand their efforts by donating my underwater land to this beneficial program,” stated Chuck Steidle.
If you are interested in learning more about the aquaculture lease program, please go to the following link:
http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Planning/Divisions/EnvironmentalPlanning/AquacultureLeaseProgram.aspx or contact the office at 853-5191.
Representing the South Fork, Jay Schneiderman is the Suffolk County Legislator for the Second Legislative District. He is also chairman of the County Legislature’s Public Works and Transportation Committee. For more information, or to arrange an interview, please call (631) 852-8400.
