In a bipartisan effort, Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and members of the Nassau County Legislature unanimously approved the placement of a referendum on this November's ballot that would authorize the county to issue a $50 million bond for Clean Water, Open Space Protection and Parks.

The fund will protect drinking water, preserve the county's remaining open space and farmlands from development and improve parklands and park facilities. The proposal will ask voters to approve a referendum that creates an environmental fund to be paid off through a dedicated tax line. It is estimated to cost the average taxpayer about $7 a year.

According to Jacobs, there are just 400 acres of agricultural farmland and horse farms left in Nassau County.

A key component of the law would allow the county to purchase development rights to farmland and horse farms. Only five farms remain in Nassau County. Development rights would ensure that these farms remain for generations to come without the county exercising any maintenance costs.

A portion of the $50 million bond will be used for acquisition and improvement of the Nassau County parks system. Purchases of available land may be made to increase the size of parkland for both active and passive purposes. County facilities with playgrounds, athletic fields, outdoor concert sites and equestrian capabilities may all benefit from the proposed referendum. Improvements to Nassau's recreational, historical and museum facilities may also be made with portions of the bonds; however, routine maintenance to parks will not be covered under the agreement.

In addition to preserving county parkland, a portion of the funds generated will be used on clean water projects designed to protect Nassau's groundwater. Projects that construct or improve sediment collection basins, storm drain catch basins and end-of-pipe treatment units will all be considered by the county if the referendum passes. Monies raised through the referendum may also be used to rehabilitate brownfields in Nassau County. These sites currently are unusable due to past contamination. Continued cleanup of sites will allow Nassau County to regain control of these lands and put them to proper use within the communities.

"We have a unique opportunity here to take a stand in the protection of our environment for future generations," Jacobs said. "A year from now, two years from now, it could be too late."

According to Jacobs, the legislation would allocate funds to be spent on acquiring open space and development rights, improving parks, clean water projects, brownfields cleanup and oversight. The Legislature would then be responsible for approving any projects submitted by the County Executive, after recommendations are made by the Open Space Parks Advisory Committee and the County Planning Commission.

"We have expanded to all corners of Nassau County," said Nassau County Legislator Edward Mangano. "This referendum will allow the county to provide a buffer against the suburban sprawl, maintain the purity of our groundwater and protect environmentally sensitive areas for future generations."