Government

Greenport signs on to Peconic Estuary committee

FILE PHOTO | Greenport is among the municipalities funding the new Peconic Estuary committee.

Greenport is joining at least three other neighboring municipalities to help fund a committee aimed at protecting the Peconic Estuary.

The Peconic Estuary,  one of 28 nationally protected estuaries, consists of bodies of water between the North and South Forks. The estuary includes Flanders Bay, Great Peconic Bay, Little Peconic Bay, Shelter Island Sound, and Gardiners Bay.  The major sources of fresh water to the estuary are the Peconic River and groundwater seepage.

The East End municipalities will pay for the Peconic Estuary committee to improve water quality, reduce pollution reduction and comply with federal regulations.

It would also allow municipalities to apply for grants jointly.

According to the agreement, the village voted to provide the committee with $3,000 in annual contributions towards the effort.

Southold, East Hampton and Brookhaven towns have already signed the agreement. Shelter Island, Dering Harbor, Riverhead, North Haven, Southampton and Suffolk County have been asked to join as well.

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