"The new plan will save the city millions of dollars in unnecessary construction costs and will ensure that any future development in the designated wetland areas remains sensitive to protecting the environment," says Pataki.

The "Bluebelt" program is designed to preserve streams, ponds and other wetland areas so that these systems can--through natural means--convey, store and filter storm water. The program will allow New York City to save millions in construction costs, which would otherwise be spent on new sewers in southern Staten Island to keep pace with residential and commercial development.

The law authorizes the state's Department of Environmental Conservation to place a moratorium on issuing building permits in certain designated wetlands in Richmond County for one year. The protected areas are bounded by Great Kills Park to the South, the Staten Island transit line to the West, Sand Lane tot he North and Raritan Bay to the East.