Massive State Budget Cuts Could Slash Environmental Funding and Halt Land Protection

Massive State Budget Cuts Could Slash Environmental Funding
and Halt Land Protection

Environmental Protection Fund To Lose Millions
The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) has raised over $1.4 billion to protect farmland, parkland and natural habitats statewide. The Fund is also responsible for hundreds of water quality, recycling, breast health research, waterfront revitalization, environmental restoration and environmental education initiatives throughout New York. (Click here to learn about specific projects that the EPF has funded.) Despite a prior Legislative commitment to fund the EPF at $300 million in 2010, Governor David Patterson’s 2010 Executive Budget proposal reduces the fund to $143 million (a 50% cut in authorized expenditures) with land preservation being completely eliminated and farmland preservation being cut by 50%. Check out www.KeepProtectingNY.org for more information about the EPF raid.


14 Long Island Parks Face Closure or Service Reductions
In addition to devastating the Environmental Protection Fund, the Governor’s proposed budget would close at least 10 Long Island State Parks including Orient Beach State Park on the North Fork, which supports over 100,000 visitors each year. State parks offer affordable recreation for all Long Islanders and these resources must be protected. Just as importantly, it is now well documented that every dollar invested in local parks generates several dollars for the local economy. This is especially important on the East End where our local economy is largely dependent upon recreation and tourism.

We Must Take a Stand and Speak Up for Conservation
In tough economic times, belt tightening is expected, but Governor Patterson’s 2010 budget goes way too far when it comes to the environment and to our public parks. We must send a strong message that the Environmental Protection Fund and New York State Parks are cost-effective investments in the future that save money, create jobs, support economic development and provide vital low-cost recreational opportunities for individuals and families that are struggling every day to make ends meet.

TAKE ACTION
Please click here to e-mail state decision makers and express your unequivocal opposition to the irresponsible cuts to the EPF and the Department of State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.