Long Island, NY - November 14, 2018 - The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $18 million for continued revitalization of Historic Jones Beach State Park.
Ina public-private partnership with PSEG Long Island (PSEG), the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), and New York Power Authority (NYPA), State Parks will construct an interactive facility to encourage renewable energy. State Parks will also designate the park's West End a Park Preservation Area to protect the significant marine life and coastal habitat, making it one of only 16 Park Preserves or Park Preservation Areas in the state park system.
"With the addition of the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Education Center, we are putting dollars into what we value most on the South Shore of Long Island: our environment, our clean water, and our education,” Assemblywoman Christine Pellegrino (D-Oyster Bay/Babylon/Islip) said.“This center will not only promote increased tourism to Jones Beach, its sustainable, net-zero design and educational programs on the benefits of renewable energy will set an example for all who visit or live here.”
“As a life-long Long Islander and member of the Assembly Committees on Energy and Environmental Conservation, I am grateful for the State Parks' leadership on preserving natural habitats and revitalizing Historic Jones Beach State Park,” Assemblywoman Pellegrino said.
The new Center will be designed to be net-zero, meaningit produces as much electricity as it consumes. Exhibits for all ages will highlight how electricity is generated and distributed, how renewable power resources connect to the grid and our homes, and how we can consume energy more efficiently to lower our carbon footprint.
"With over six million visitors Jones Beach each year, the Energy and Nature Center will provide an incredible opportunity to help people become better stewards of Long Island by better understanding the connections between energy and the environment,” State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said.“I am tremendously grateful to Governor Cuomo and our partners at PSEG Long Island, LIPA and NYPA for helping create this one-of-a-kind facility that will serve the educational needs of one of New York's most distinctive state parks."