Federal lawmakers want more money to keep Jersey waters clean
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
By: Phil Gregory
philgregorynews@gmail.com
Two federal lawmakers from New Jersey are pushing for more money for a program to help keep coastal waters clean.
Congressman Frank Pallone and Senator Frank Lautenberg are urging Congress to approve $750,000 for Monmouth University's Urban Coast Institute. The Institute conducts tests in coastal waters and develops strategies to reduce pollution.
Pallone says keeping the water clean helps marine life and the shore area economy.
"Even in the recession it's been a good economy at the shore in terms of tourism," he says. "I just want that tourism economy to continue not just in the summer but even people to come down in the rest of the year. It's a huge economic engine for not only the shore but the state."
The Urban Coast Institute received $250,000 in federal funds last year. Pallone and Lautenberg say it's important to continue its research on ways to protect the coastal environment.