Town accepts $2.5 million state support for Ditch Plains restoration and adopts nitrogen-reduction pledge
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Summary
The board increased the Ditch Plains coastal restoration project budget by $2.5 million after notification of state support and unanimously adopted a 'Nitrogen Smart Communities' pledge, appointing Melissa McCarron to coordinate the town’s effort to inventory nitrogen sources and create an implementation plan.
The East Hampton Town Board voted April 16 to increase the Ditch Plains coastal restoration project budget by $2,500,000 after the town said Governor Kathy Hochul notified officials of state support for the effort.
Resolution 6 58 authorized a budget modification and fund transfers to incorporate the $2.5 million state commitment into the project expenditure budget and related interfund transfers. The council approved the measure by voice vote.
Separately the board adopted a Nitrogen Smart Communities pledge, recognizing nitrogen pollution as a significant threat to Long Island surface and ground waters and committing to community-specific plans to reduce nitrogen inputs. The board also appointed Melissa McCarron as the town’s Nitrogen Smart Communities coordinator to lead actions necessary for certification and implementation.
The pledge directs the town to complete a nitrogen inventory, prioritize sources and impacted water bodies, create an implementation plan and schedule actions to reduce nitrogen pollution. Board members and supporters said local action is needed to protect shellfish habitat, fisheries and the sole-source aquifer that supplies drinking water on Long Island.
The measures passed as part of the meeting’s resolutions; town staff will carry out required reporting and begin coordinator duties as directed.
