Courtney & LaLota Mark House Passage of the Long Island Sound Program Reauthorization

NORWICH, CT - Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) and Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01), Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Long Island Sound Caucus, released the following statements on House-passage of a reauthorization of the EPA's Long Island Sound Grant Program, part of their bill, the Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Reauthorization Act. The reauthorization of this grant program to protect and restore the Long Island Sound was passed within the American Water Stewardship Act. This bill will reauthorize the EPA's Long Island Sound Program through 2031.

"The Long Island Sound is an ecological treasure and a powerful engine for our region's economy," said Rep. Joe Courtney. "Reauthorizing the Long Island Sound Program ensures that critical EPA work to preserve and manage the Sound for future generations continues uninterrupted. Congress' last reauthorization for the EPA's Long Island Sound Program expired in 2023, and it is urgent that we renew our commitment to these programs. Thank you to Congressman LaLota, fellow Co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, for his leadership. I urge the Senate to quickly take up this bill."

"Joe Courtney and I are friends from across the Sound and across the aisle, and that partnership is exactly what it takes to deliver real results for the communities we represent. Together, we're proud to support the American Water Stewardship Act and ensure the Long Island Sound Program remains a top federal priority, because protecting these waters is critical to our environment, our economy, and our way of life. This bipartisan effort shows that when we focus on shared goals, we can strengthen our region and preserve the Sound for generations to come." said Rep. Nick LaLota.

"We are grateful to Representatives Courtney and LaLota for their leadership and for prioritizing the reauthorization of the Long Island Sound Partnership and programs that are critical to restoring and protecting the health of Long Island Sound," said Denise Stranko, executive vice president of programs for Save the Sound.

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