(The following letter was sent to Mildred Little, president of the New Cassel Environmental Justice Project. It is being reprinted here at the author's request.)

I received your letter dated Aug. 24 regarding funding for the New Cassel Environmental Justice Project.

As you know, in 1995 my predecessor, Senator Tully, was instrumental in obtaining a Legislative Member Item grant of $45,000 to the Town of North Hempstead for the Environmental Justice Project.

In order to properly track the scores of funding requests which are made each year, it would be appreciated if you would send me a letter of request in early 2000 indicating the amount you are seeking, the name, address and phone number of a contact person and for what specific purpose the monies would be used. It would be my pleasure, during the 2000/2001 budget negotiations, to consider your request along with the others that I receive.

Please be assured of my continued support for your efforts.

Michael A. L. Balboni

State Senator