Suffolk lawmakers, concerned about the current recession, are considering relocating open space funds to help keep the government on track.

Legislator Cameron Alden (R-Islip) says the government can either raise taxes or cut preservation services for open space. He insists that there is enough money to protect land and drinking water.

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would take away $6 million a year from property taxes and use that money toward the General Fund. Although this act would lower property taxes, environmentalists are not pleased.

A hearing was held Tuesday at the Suffolk Legislature with the Citizens Campaign for the Environment to discuss the issue. Adrienne Esposito, of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, says, ?When we lose the land we lose it forever, when we pollute the beach, we harm the publics? health. When we destroy drinking water quality it costs a lot of money to clean it up. The money spent in preventing these things is money well spent.?

If passed, the bill would be voted on this November at the ballots.