SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Voters in Suffolk County came out in force to protect water quality this Election Day.
Voters overwhelmingly approved Ballot Proposition 2, the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act, 71.58 percent, or 478,717 votes to 28.42 percent, or 190,159 votes, with seven districts reporting .
According to the Nature Conservancy, the “landmark win for clean water” will generate $4 billion to modernize wastewater infrastructure and protect Long Island's waters from nitrogen pollution, and $2 billion to protect clean drinking water water by preserving open space and wildlife habitats.
The Nature Conservancy's Long Island Policy Advisor, Kevin McDonald, commented, “Suffolk County residents showed up this Election Day and voted yes to protect our water for generations to come! This victory is the culmination of decades of work and shows the power of commitment and cooperation The universal need for clean water transcends all politics.”
Prop 2 would also help Suffolk County leverage billions of dollars more in matching funds from state and federal water quality improvement programs, the Nature Conservancy said. Prop 2 will preserve natural resources, restore wildlife habitat, protect public health, and create thousands of good jobs across the county.
The Nature Conservancy said it is grateful to local and state leaders, its partners and constituents for their commitment to clean water.
“We thank Governor Hotchul, State Senator Martinez, Congressman Thiel, Romaine County Executive and Presiding Officer McCaffrey for their continued leadership,” they said.
