WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, applauded the passage of critical investments to protect Connecticut’s natural resources and improve the health of Long Island Sound. The funding was included in the bipartisan agreement to prevent another government shutdown and fund nine federal agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year, as well as the Natural Resources Management Act, S.47, which the Senate passed last week. Murphy advocated for this funding as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Long Island Sound is a boon for Connecticut’s economy. We rely on a healthy and vibrant Sound for manufacturing, fishing, and tourism,” said Murphy. “I have used my seat on the Appropriations Committee to triple funding for the Sound and make critical investments to protect its coastline and our environment from pollution – despite this administration’s efforts to eliminate some of these programs. This is a big win for Connecticut.”

Highlights of the legislation include the following:

  • $14 million for the Long Island Sound Geographic Program, $2 million above FY18 levels. President Trump’s proposed eliminating the funding in his FY18 budget
  • $435 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is now permanently reauthorized
  • $26.7 million for the National Estuary Program
  • $9.5 million for the BEACH Act Grants to monitor water quality at beaches
  • $170.9 million for EPA Nonpoint Source Program Grants to protect the Sound from agricultural runoff and other forms of pollution

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