Blumenthal & Murphy Applaud Senate Passage of Long Island Stewardship Act

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) applauded Senate passage of legislation to support the continued restoration of Long Island Sound through 2020. Key provisions from Blumenthal and Murphy’s Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act were included in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which was approved by the Senate today in a strong bipartisan vote of 95-3.

“The Water Resources Development Act is a real investment in the long-term viability of Connecticut’s ports and water infrastructure and the vitality and of its waterways, including in our most valuable natural resource: Long Island Sound,” Blumenthal said. “Not only is the Sound home to a diverse array of wildlife, it is also a foundation for hundreds of jobs in the tourism, shellfish, manufacturing, and maritime industries. This broadly bipartisan bill bolsters ongoing efforts to support the future of the Long Island Sound by boosting funding for conservation, restoration, and education efforts.”

“I’m very proud that our Long Island Stewardship Act passed the Senate today because it will be a game changer for the restoration and long-term health of the Sound. This bill, and the critical lead contamination protections and new resources for water infrastructure upgrades that passed today, go a long way toward ensuring everyone in Connecticut has access to water that’s clean and safe,” said Murphy.

The Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act – introduced by Blumenthal, Murphy, and U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) – combines two complementary water quality and shore restoration program authorizations at their previous authorization levels of $40 million and $25 million per year, respectively. This legislation also provides for additional focus, oversight and coordination of federal activities related to the restoration of Long Island Sound.

In addition to the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act, WRDA also invests in Connecticut jobs and waterways infrastructure through provisions to:

• Dedicate Permanent Funding for Emerging Ports like Bridgeport, New Haven and New London: Connecticut’s three deep-water ports are an important driver of the state’s economy. This legislation will permanently set aside 10 percent of the funds available in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for emerging ports like those in Connecticut. These funds can be used to help cover harbor operations and maintenance costs, supporting expansion and growth and creating jobs.

• Return Local Control of the Historic Stonington Wharf: The Old Stonington Wharf is a historic landmark of great significance to Stonington and the region. This legislation allows for return of the landmark Old Stonington Wharf back to the town for future revitalization.

• Expand Funding Opportunities for Connecticut Communities: The bill provides $70 million in credit subsidies for secured loans through the enhanced Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) financing program to upgrade water infrastructure. This investment is estimated to be able to subsidize at least $700 million in loans for communities.

• Provide Relief to Communities Ravaged by Lead Poisoning: The bill creates a new grant program of up to $300 million over five years to reduce lead in drinking water, and provides more than $100 million in subsidized loans and grants as well as debt forgiveness to assist states experiencing an emergency drinking water situation. It also funds the establishment of a lead exposure registry and funds $30 million for childhood lead poisoning prevention programs.

###