This assistance will help restore and preserve natural habitats along Connecticut s coastline and ensure that deadly pollutants do not continue to seep into our waters causing further erosion of the beauty and safety of the Long Island Sound. A number of environmental pressures have taken a toll on our natural habitats in Connecticut, and unfortunately, pollution of the Long Island Sound remains a serious concern, Lieberman said. This federal assistance will go a long way toward safeguarding our natural resources, so Connecticut residents can use and enjoy the coastline for generations to come. The program also funds the DEP operation overseeing permit applications for businesses operating on the waterfront, ensuring compliance with state environmental specifications. Included in this is the periodic dredging of coastal waters to keep them safe for recreational use.
Habitat restoration is an equally important use of the federal funds.
The Long Island Sound once had vibrant upland and wetland habitats, such as grasslands and aquatic vegetation beds. Unfortunately, many of these habitats have been systematically degraded by industrial development this century. The DEP has worked since the mid 1970s to restore these habitats, which are vital to maintaining a healthy ecological balance in the region.