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Rocky Neck State Park Beach Grant, East Lyme, Connecticut
07/26/2002Remarks of Governor Christine Todd Whitman
Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at Rocky Neck State Park Beach East Lyme, Connecticut July 26, 2002 Thank you, Bob (Varney) for that introduction. Nothing beats a day at the beach B or as we say in New Jersey, a day down the shore. When you enter Rocky Neck State Park, it = s a different world. No longer are you in the hustle and bustle of every day urban life, but instead you experience an oasis of more than 700 acres located between a tidal river and a salt marsh. There is something here at Rocky Neck for everyone B miles of hiking and biking trails, saltwater fishing, camping and picnicking, bird watching, and of course B there = s the beach. From Maine to Hawaii, millions of Americans flock to the beaches each year, expecting to find them clean and healthy. This year, we are marking 30 years since the passage of the Clean Water Act B celebrating the progress that has been made and recommitting ourselves to addressing the challenges that still remain. And this month we are paying special tribute to one of America = s great treasures B her beaches. In keeping with this focus, the EPA is providing $10 million to help states and territories monitor their coastal waters and keep beach-goers advised of water quality. Here in the five coastal New England states, we are providing a total of $1.1 million. I know the people of Connecticut care deeply about the environmental health of their coastal waters. That is why I am pleased the EPA can help you keep closer track of ocean water quality at your beaches. These funds will help ensure that a day at a beach is a day to remember for all the right reasons B the warm sun, the salt air, the sand in your shoes, and the refreshing brace of the water. So on behalf of President Bush and the EPA, I am pleased to present this check for $226,389 in support of Connecticut = s beach monitoring program. And money= s not the only thing we = re handing out today. I'd also like to recognize Rocky Neck Beach as one of ten A Flagship Beaches @ in New England by giving it a special flag. This flag will let everyone know that this beach is committed to improved monitoring, assessment of pollution sources, and notification to the public about water quality conditions. I'd like to present the flag to Mr. (Art) Rocque, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Health and Dr. (Joxel) Garcia, the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Health. I hope you will fly it proudly. Thank you, and I hope the rest of your summer is great. |
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