LIS License Plate
Long Island Sound License Plate Program
The Long Island Sound commemorative license plates began in 1993 to enhance public awareness of the state's effort to restore and protect Long Island Sound. Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Section 14-21e authorizes the issuance of the Long Island Sound license plate by the Department of Motor Vehicles. CGSSection 22a-27k established the Long Island Sound Fund administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection where proceeds from the sale of the plates (until October 1, 2009) were deposited. Connecticut drivers who care about their state's environment have purchased over 126,000 Long Island Sound license plates since the beginning of the program. The program raised more than $4 million from the sale of license plates and donations for projects to help restore the Sound and its habitats, foster educational opportunities, increase public access to the Sound, and conduct research.
What is the Long Island Sound Fund?
In general, the Long Island Sound Fund supports four categories of activities: public access, public education and outreach, habitat restoration, and research.
More specifically, the Long Island Sound Fund supports:
- The development of public outreach and education programs to increase the public's awareness of the need to preserve and protect Long Island Sound and its resources with special attention to developing in our young people a sense of the value of the Sound to our quality of life.
- The increase of public access to Long Island Sound through the development of boardwalks, walkways, benches, fishing piers and signage and the acquisition of appropriate sites.
- The protection and restoration of habitat essential to the Long Island Sound ecosystem including tidal wetlands, mudflats, beaches and dunes, riverine migratory corridors, and coves and embayments to ensure the future survival of important plant and animal species and their habitats.
- The support of scientific research of Long Island Sound that provides clear direction for management decisions to enhance our understanding and management of the Sound's natural resources.
Projects Funded by the Long Island Sound License Plate Program
All Projects, Summary By Year 1993-2010
Connecticut Residents can still purchase Long Island Sound License plates to bring awareness to protecting one of Connecticut’s most valuable natural resources through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Content Last Updated September 15, 2025