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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBUARY 5, 2009
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Leeann Lavin: 718-623-7289, leeannlavin@bbg.org
Kate Blumm: 718-623-7241, kateblumm@bbg.org
BP Markowitz, New York Aquarium, and Center for Urban Environment Join Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Highlighting Adverse Impacts of Proposed State Cuts to Zoos, Botanic Gardens & Aquariums (ZBGA)
Leaders Issue a Call to Action for State Government and Community Members
BROOKLYN, NY—FEBUARY 5, 2009—Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz was joined by Scot Medbury, president of Brooklyn Botanic Garden; Jon Dohlin, director of the New York Aquarium; and Aisha Glover, director of public affairs for the Center for the Urban Environment to highlight the adverse impacts of the proposed elimination of funding for the Zoos, Botanic Gardens and Aquariums (ZBGA) program in the state's FY10 budget.
Markowitz, Medbury, Dohlin, and Glover applauded the restoration of ZBGA funding in the state's FY09 Deficit Reduction Plan agreed to by the governor and the legislature on February 3. This was a strategic decision by state officials who recognize the economic, educational, and environmental importance of all 76 living museums across the state that are funded by the ZBGA program. The Brooklyn living museums supported by the ZBGA—the Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and the Center for the Urban Environment, extended their tremendous gratitude to the state's Brooklyn legislative delegation and to all the New Yorkers who helped to send more than 46,000 messages to Albany asking that zoos, botanical gardens, and aquariums continue to receive the support and funding they need to provide the state's unique environmental literacy and eco-tourism programs.
While the decision to protect this year's funding was vital, this morning the leaders issued a call for state officials to reject the proposal to eliminate the ZBGA budget line in fiscal year 2010. “We are educating the next generation of environmental stewards who will be charged with protecting our planet,” Medbury remarked. “The proposed elimination of ZBGA funding in 2010 will inevitably reduce the education programs that create environmental literacy in Brooklyn. We hope that our leaders in Albany and our community members locally will continue to show their support and take action on behalf of all of New York's living museums.”
In addition to providing crucial education and community outreach services, ZBGA-funded institutions attract more than 12 million tourists a year, with powerful positive impact on local economies.
New Yorkers can send a message of support to Albany by going to www.wcs.org. The ZBGA continues to face a 100 percent cut of funding from the state in fiscal year 2010.