As part of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioner Association’s (NSWCA) Continuing Education Program, the association hosted District 18 Nassau County Legislator, Donald Mackenzie, who updated NSWCA members on new government efforts and actions pertaining to Long Island water and local districts.The meeting was hosted by the Carle Place Water District and Commissioners Lawrence F. Zaino, Peter W. Meade and Timothy E. Stellato. Commissioner Stellato is a Past President of the NSWCA.
Legislator Mackenzie announced a new $240,000 contract with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for a two-year monitoring and study of Long Island’s aquifers and water resources. The USGS data is used to inform water districts, the public and legislative bodies of actions, threats and hazards regarding the day-to-day preservation and conservation of Long Island’s water resources.
Mr. Mackenzie also indicated that New York City’s efforts to reopen some two-dozen dormant wells in Jamaica, Queens had been halted, a direct result of the recently resurrected Water Resources Board’s discovery and review, and Nassau County’s action.“We are extremely pleased that Legislator MacKenzie addressed the NSWCA on these important issues.” NSWCA President and Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond J. Averna stated. “As a former elected Water Commissioner from the Oyster Bay Water District, Donald understands and appreciates what it takes to manage and safeguard our most precious resource. We look forward to more of his input in the future.”
About Legislator MacKenzie:
Donald MacKenzie was first elected to the Nassau County Legislature in 2013 and was re-elected in 2015 by a wide margin. He represents the 18th Legislative District, which includes N. Woodbury, N. Syosset, Laurel Hollow, Oyster Bay Cove, Oyster Bay, Cove Neck, Centre Island, Bayville, Mill Neck, Lattingtown, Locust Valley, Matinecock, the Brookvilles, Muttontown, East Norwich, Greenvale, East Hills and Glen Head. He is the Chair of the Veterans & Senior Affairs Committee, Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Vice Chair of the Towns, Villages & Cities Committee, a member of the Public Works Committee, and a member of the Economic & Community Development & Labor Committee.
Donald MacKenzie is a lifelong resident of Oyster Bay Hamlet, attended Oyster Bay Schools and received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law.