Leaders of several Brooklyn environmental institutions gathered today at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden to denounce the elimination of the state’s Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquariums Grant Program (ZGBA).
As of April 1, 2010, the $9 million state program that supports 76 institutions statewide is set to have its funding eliminated entirely. This would result in a $725,000 loss for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a $722,000 loss for the New York Aquarium in Coney Island and a $62,000 loss for the Center for the Urban Environment (CUE). (The Prospect Park Zoo will not be affected, as it does not receive ZGBA funds).
Speakers Thursday were understanding of the challenging economic situation, but felt they were being asked to withstand an unfair percentage of funding cuts. All three institutions already face, or expect to face, cuts in city funding as well.
“These institutions represent the best of Brooklyn and it would be foolish to consider anything close to what we’ve heard suggested,” said Borough President Marty Markowitz... read more
Pictured above are Scot Medbury, president of Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Borough President Marty Markowitz.
Story and photo by Phoebe Neidl
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