Letters

I was pleased to read that U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is organizing a bipartisan push-back against the Trump administration’s efforts to cut funding from the National Estuary Program [“Gillibrand Speaks Against Proposed Cuts to National Estuary Program on Local Visit, Pushes for Increased Funding,” 27east.com, July 21]. In addition to fighting the proposed cuts, Senator Gillibrand (NY-Dem) is proposing to add $50 million over the $132 million allocated to the NEP during the Biden administration.

The National Estuary Program is a commitment to the future health of our communities, fisheries and coastlines. So, great job by Senator Gillibrand and others for stepping up.

Emma Dezenzo of the League of Conservation Voters points out that other actions harmful to water quality are happening in Washington, D.C.: “There is a serious threat to New York’s clean water. The 2026 Federal Fiscal Year budget proposes a 90 percent cut to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs. These critical funding sources help communities across New York upgrade water systems, replace failing infrastructure, and protect public health.”

In response, New York State Democrats recently backed a $500 million bill for water quality projects. Our new assemblyman, Tommy John Schiavoni, elaborated: “In Suffolk County … there are over 380,000 outdated cesspools and septic tanks in use. Onsite wastewater treatment systems reduce the amount of pollutants expelled into the environment, reducing the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus going into surface and drinking waters, including Long Island’s sole-source aquifer.

“I commend the Senate and Assembly sponsors of S8241-A/A8807, the Department of Environmental Conservation and the governor for the increased attention to the need for modernizing residential wastewater management across the state.”

That’s a big deal

What is also a big deal is that the 2025 slate of local Democrats are committed to protecting our sole- source aquifer, bays, creeks, harbors, estuaries, marshes and other bodies of water. Supervisor Maria Moore has a strong pro-water quality track record, the Democrats on the Town Board have a positive track record, and the Trustee candidates possess the skill and knowledge to monitor water quality.

Mike Anthony

Westhampton

Anthony is a former chair of the Southampton Democratic Committee — Ed.