June 12, 2006

Contact: Charles G. Sturcken (718) 595-6600

PRESS ADVISORY

DEP Convenes Public Meeting to Discuss Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection Plan

Commissioner Emily Lloyd of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that a public outreach meeting will be convened on June 14 to discuss the progress of the Jamaica Watershed Protection Plan. 

In July 2005, Mayor Bloomberg signed Local Law 71 into effect.  Its purpose was to create a plan to restore and maintain the water quality and ecological integrity of Jamaica Bay.  The law also established the Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection Advisory Committee to advise DEP and provide recommendations concerning the plan as it evolved.  In January and February 2006, DEP and the Advisory Committee held two public meetings to provide information to the watershed community about Local Law 71, to assess current issues facing Jamaica Bay, and to obtain public scoping comments.

The meeting will include visual project information and a presentation by DEP. Members of the public will be given an opportunity to make comments and recommendations related to the watershed protection plan and implementation strategies.