Mineola, N.Y. -- Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, joined by local government officials and members of the business and environmental communities, today announced the launch of an innovative program that will generate new revenues from private sources to help protect local bodies of water from the impact of storm water runoff.  The program builds on a recent agreement between the County and local municipalities to address the issue of storm water discharges through a coordinated Storm Water Management Program.  Also at the press conference was Paul Polizzotto, president, chief executive officer and founder of Environmental Communication, which owns the Adopt-A-Waterway program.

Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi talks about the Adopt-a-Waterway Program with local officials, environmentalists and sponsors.

Adopt-A-Waterway taps into the local business community, with sponsors purchasing advertising space on custom-designed signs in high-traffic areas along County roadways.  In return, the County receives half the revenue collected to be put towards the technology necessary to implement its Storm Water Management Program.  This public-private partnership has the potential to raise as much as $200,000 a year for the next five years and involves no cost to taxpayers.  The County will also receive at no charge public education and outreach materials to raise the public’s awareness about the issue of storm water runoff.

“This is smart government at work – an innovative public-private partnership that addresses a real and immediate environmental issue for both the County and our local towns and villages at no cost to County taxpayers,” said County Executive Suozzi.  “Adopt-A-Waterway builds on my longstanding commitment to preserving precious environmental resources and educating the public about issues facing our environment.  This effort also draws important attention to our Storm Water Management Program, which is an excellent example of different levels of government working together to maximize resources, while minimizing costs.”

Under the County Executive’s direction and leadership, the County Department of Public Works formed an inter-municipal coalition to address the newly-mandated State permitting requirements for storm water discharges.  This consortium, which includes 57 municipalities in the County, has been recognized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as a model for implementing a regional storm water program, and has received one of the largest grants, totaling $500,000 awarded by the State.

“We welcome Nassau County as the first area on Long Island to participate in Adopt-A-Waterway,” said Paul Polizzotto.  “This program is a win-win.  It provides communities with the revenue streams to clean up their waterways and comply with federal and state clean water laws.  At the same time, it benefits local, regional and national companies who serve as sponsors and as a result of their participation, help to improve the quality of life for their consumers.”

“This program allows for County government and businesses to team up to protect our bays and estuaries.  These essential water bodies provide the public with a high quality of life and also act as economic drivers for our regional economy,” said Adrienne Esposito of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment.  “Long Islanders love the Long Island Sound and the South Shore Estuary.  Programs to protect these estuarine systems will be embraced by the public.”

Among the initial corporate sponsor’s in Nassau County’s Adopt-A-Waterway program are Adelphi University, Long Island Power Authority, Waste Management, Cameron Engineering, Arrow Exterminating, Long Island University/CW Post, Dvirka and Bartilucci Consulting Engineers and FABCO.

“The Adopt-A-Waterway project is an excellent way to raise public awareness about the need to protect bays, coastal waterways and underground water supply,” said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel.  “LIPA is pleased to participate as a sponsor of this innovative public education program.”

“Adelphi is proud to partner with Nassau County in this initiative to protect our waterways,” said Bill Proto, Adelphi University Vice President for Administration and Student Services.  “This year, we mark the 75th anniversary of the University’s move from Brooklyn to Garden City.  In addition to our academic programs in environmental studies and science education, the Adopt-A-Waterway program offers un an opportunity to reinvest in the natural resources that make our region so unique and celebrate our connection with the Long Island community.”

“As a company engaged in providing environmental solutions to today’s problems, we recognize how critical it is to maintain and improve our natural resources.  The Adopt-A-Waterway program is a key step in providing funding for water quality initiatives, including education,” said Tara Hemmer, Market Area Engineer, Waste Management.