(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,C,I-Glen Head) today attended a presentation held by Gov. Cuomo where he proposed many environmental initiatives that will target improving the quality of regional drinking water on Long Island.
Included in these measures would be a $6 million state study that will thoroughly explore Long Island’s supply of drinking water. A new Center for Clean Water Technology will be kick-started at Stony Brook University in Suffolk County, where today’s announcement was made.
“Today marked great progress for Long Island, and I am so happy to have been involved,” said Montesano. “I extend my sincere appreciation to the governor for taking this issue so seriously, and am pleased to be moving forward with these measures that have overwhelming bi-partisan support. This is a great example of how we can put politics aside to ensure we are doing what’s right for our constituents.”
Cuomo cited three main areas of concern regarding the regional drinking water. These issues include the Grumman Plume, a chemical cloud affecting Bethpage and Massapequa aquifer areas that has moved over the years; other aquifer threats in areas around mulch farms; and general quality of the groundwater throughout both counties of the Island. Cuomo intends to produce a comprehensive study to discover how these issues are affecting Long Islanders’ quality of life.
“Our job, first and foremost is to ensure that we are doing all that we can to keep our friends and neighbors safe from all harm,” said Montesano. “These initiatives will help us gain a better understanding of our potable supply, and also find out why any contamination may be taking place and how we can stop it before it becomes too late.”
The new initiatives would enforce proactive solutions for any problems in the foreseeable future. Included in this plan is the $300 million in the proposed state budget for the state’s Environmental Protection Fund and new state funding for local water-infrastructure improvements.
