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“Once again, the sales of the popular ‘Preserve the Sound’ license plate have generated funds that will be put to very good use – helping to make Long Island Sound an even more spectacular natural resource for all of us and future generations to enjoy. Across the length of Long Island Sound – from Stratford and Milford to New Haven, New London and East Lyme – these grants will support projects to improve the quality of Sound and its natural resources, build greater public awareness of its importance and improve public access to our beautiful coastline.” Some of the proposals receiving funding this year include: new hiking trails with scenic shoreline vistas in Old Saybrook; new handicapped-accessible fishing or boating opportunities in East Lyme, Groton and on the Housatonic River in Shelton; habitat restoration of a dune area in New London, a barrier beach habitat in Stratford and a coastal forest in Westbrook; a new educational film for children about Long Island Sound; expanded underwater film footage for UCONN’s “Underwater Tour of Long Island Sound” Web site; research on various marine topics including a genetic study of blueback herring populations in the Connecticut River and a study to evaluate the condition of benthic – seabed dwelling – communities in Mumford Cove in Groton. The 14 grants were awarded by the LIS Fund, which is supported by the sale of Preserve the Sound license plates, a portion of the proceeds from the Preserve the Sound affinity credit card, and direct contributions to the Fund. Since 1992, more than 139,310 license plates have been sold, raising more than $4.87 million dollars for projects benefiting the Sound. With these latest grant awards, more than 300 projects have been funded in the areas of education, public access, habitat restoration and estuarine research. Gina McCarthy, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which provides administrative support for the LIS Fund, said, “In addition to the many education, public access and scientific research projects that have been funded by this program, I am particularly pleased that we were able to fund three high quality habitat restoration projects this year. Physical habitat restoration activities are critical to the improvement of our coastal environment. Our dedicated staff at DEP looks forward to working with the groups who are actively pursuing these important restoration initiatives.” Background on Long Island Sound Fund The Long Island Sound Fund was created to provide funding for projects to preserve and protect Long Island Sound that would otherwise lack a funding source. This program and its projects raises awareness about the importance of Long Island Sound, provides many opportunities for lasting partnerships between Federal, State and local organizations to improve the Sound and its habitats and creates quality public access to this tremendous resource. Connecticut residents can show their support for future projects by purchasing a Long Island Sound license plate, acquiring a Preserve the Sound credit card or making a direct contribution. The LIS license plates can also be purchased as a gift. Information and order forms for purchasing LIS license plates can be obtained by calling 1-800-CT-SOUND or by writing to Long Island License Plate, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161-6001. For more information about the Long Island Sound Fund, contact the Long Island Sound Fund Coordinator, Kate Hughes Brown at (860) 424-3652, kate.brown@ct.gov or visit the DEP website at www.ct.gov/dep/lislicenseplate. © Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of NorwalkPlus.com, Norwalk Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: New details of energy bill for Friday’s special session - Aug 19, 2008 - 4:50:20 PM Technology Incubation grants announced - Aug 16, 2008 - 5:31:56 PM Rell calls for prompt action on winter heating aid - Aug 13, 2008 - 5:02:10 PM Winners of 2008 Connecticut primaries participated in the Citizens’ Election Program - Aug 13, 2008 - 4:14:54 PM Fairfield Museum and History Center awarded prestigious grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services - Aug 12, 2008 - 12:48:01 PM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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