Long Island SoundThree decades ago, the federal government and the state of Connecticut promised the state's citizens clean and healthy water. Jointly they set a goal of separating combined sewer overflows to stop the 2 billion gallons of raw sewage from entering Long Island Sound and major rivers during rainstorms and restoring the Sound's dead-zone by removing approximately 60% of sewage treatment plant nitrogen discharges. Due to a solid track record of state investments prior to 2002, we were approximately half-way toward meeting that goal.

However, Connecticut began to break that promise by slashing the Clean Water Fund, the funding mechanism to accomplish those goals. That lack of investment put us on a path that would result in lakes and streams remaining impacted by sewage-laden water for a century beyond the CSO deadline and a two decade delay in the legally required clean-up of Long Island Sound.

The good news is that after the newly formed Clean Water Investment Coalition - a group comprised of enviros, unions, engineers, government, municipalities, business, industry and individuals - began its advocacy efforts, the governor and nearly every state legislator stepped up to the plate. While we still have a few weeks to the legislative session, as of today the clean water fund has been increased by over 400%. This shift in priorities will ensure that citizens do not have to wait one year longer for the clean water they deserve.