Last November, the citizens of Nassau County overwhelmingly voted to approve a $50 million Open Space, Clean Water Environmental Program to protect Nassau County's drinking water, preserve open space and remaining farmland, protect bays and harbors, and enhance, as well as add new parks and recreational facilities.

The Program authorizes the County to fund projects in four areas: open space and parkland acquisition, parkland improvement, storm water quality improvement and brownfield remediation.

"Anyone can nominate a property or project for funding, including private citizens, land preservation, environmental and civic organizations, and public officials," said Legislator Joseph Scannell (D-Baldwin).

To nominate a property or project for funding, go to the County's website at nassaucountyny.gov and print a form and send it to:

Nassau County Environmental Bond Act Program
One West Street
Mineola, NY 11501|
Attn: Thomas F. Maher, Director of Environmental Coordination, Room 325

Nominations must be postmarked by April 15, 2005.
Only mailed forms will be accepted. Electronically transmitted forms and faxes will not be accepted.

An Advisory Committee was appointed by County Executive Thomas Suozzi to recommend a list of properties and/or projects for each program category after reviewing all nominations and considering what projects and/or combinations of projects best meet the goals of the Nassau County Environmental Program. The Committee will both apply the evaluation criteria listed herein and consider other factors, such as geographic location, urgency, and technical and financial feasibility, when developing the lists. If you have any questions, please contact Tom Maher, Director of Environmental Coordination at (516) 571-1250 or Legislator Scannell at 516-571-6205.