Malliotakis Announces Federal Funding to Expand Science & Stewardship Program at Freshkills Park

Image October 28, 2026 Press Release (STATEN ISLAND, NY) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today joined Mark Murphy, President of the Freshkills Park Alliance and Administrator of Freshkills Park, to announce nearly $687,000 in federal funding she secured to expand the Science & Stewardship Program at Freshkills Park. The funding will provide the initial framework, infrastructure and field equipment necessary to establish long-term environmental research at the park and support its continued transformation from a former landfill into a hub for conservation. The funding will support research equipment, environmental monitoring tools, data systems and greenhouse resources to help scientists study the park’s wildlife and habitats. Researchers will collect baseline data on the condition of Freshkills’ grasslands, wetlands and shorelines, which will help guide restoration and habitat maintenance in the years ahead. The funding will also provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through internships and training in environmental science and conservation.  “Freshkills was once the world’s largest landfill, and today we are helping transform it into a place for environmental research, education and recreation,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “I’m proud to have secured this federal funding to expand the Science & Stewardship Program at Freshkills Park, give researchers the tools they need to study and protect this unique landscape, and create new learning opportunities for students. This project will help ensure that a site once associated with waste and pollution can benefit Staten Islanders for generations to come.” “This congressional appropriation is a transformative investment in the future of the Freshkills Park Alliance and our science and research programs. We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and her dedicated staff for their unwavering support and tireless three-year effort to secure this critical funding. This investment will help us expand our research capabilities, advance environmental science, and establish Freshkills Park as a premier regional destination for scientific research, education, and discovery,” said Mark Murphy, President, Freshkills Park Alliance. Watch remarks HERE .