Voters Approve Proposition To Protect Water Quality By Landslide
SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Voters in Suffolk County showed up 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 left to report.
According to the Nature Conservancy, the "landmark victory 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 by conserving open space and wildlife habitats.
The Nature Conservancy's Long Island Policy Advisor Kevin McDonald reflected: "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 dedication and collaboration. The universal need for clean water transcends all politics."
Prop 2 will 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 conserve natural resources, restore wildlife habitat, protect public health, and create thousands of good jobs across the county.
The Nature Conservancy said it was grateful to local and state leaders, its partners, and the voters for their dedication to clean water.
"We thank Governor Hochul, State Senator Martinez, Assemblyman Thiele, County Executive Romaine, and Presiding Officer Mccaffrey for their ongoing leadership," they said.