Congressman José E. Serrano

Representing the Sixteenth District of New York

PRESS RELEASE

Ground Broken for José E. Serrano Center for Global Conservation at the Bronx Zoo

Washington, DC – October 16, 2006 – Congressman José E. Serrano helped break ground today for the José E. Serrano Center for Global Conservation at the Bronx Zoo, which is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The new Center for Global Conservation, which will unite the WCS’s work in the field with researchers, academics and others at their Bronx headquarters, is a major investment in the research infrastructure of the WCS in the Bronx.

“I am so honored that the good people at the WCS chose my name for their new conservation center,” Serrano said. “What has only been a dream for so long is about to become a reality and it’s very exciting.”

“I have spent all but a few early years of my life in the Bronx, and so from childhood visits to today. I have seen incredible changes in the Bronx and at our zoo. The WCS is now a world leader in conservation efforts, and with this new center, will continue to be a leader for years to come.

“Not only will this Center for Global Conservation impact our world community in constructive ways, but it will also have a positive economic impact here in the Bronx.  There will be new job opportunities created at this Center.  In addition, there will be approximately 100 new jobs that will become available during the upcoming construction period. This is a win-win situation for the Bronx and the WCS.

“It is not every day that you have a building named after you – and having one named after me here at the Bronx Zoo is particularly moving. Throughout my long career in public office, I have always fought for and been passionate about the protection of our environment – whether it is for the restoration of our Bronx River or finding ways to address our community’s asthma crisis.  Knowing that significant conservation work will take place in this building makes this naming particularly special to me.” 

 ###

---

Congressman José E. Serrano has represented the Bronx in the House of Representatives since 1990.