Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I-Sag Harbor) today reported that revenues for the Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund (CPF) produced $9.97 million in revenue for the Peconic Bay Region for February 2016 compared with $6.95 million a year ago, or a 43.5% increase compared with the same month a year ago. The year-to-date total is $18.89 million. This compares with $15.32 million a year ago, or a 23.3% increase. Since its inception in 1999, the Peconic Bay Regional Community Preservation Fund has generated $1.112 billion for the life of the CPF Program. In the last 12 months, the CPF has generated $103.86 million. The 2% transfer tax under the CPF expires in 2030. The Towns have the authority subject to referendum to extend the tax until 2050 under Chapter 551 of the Laws of 2015. Thiele stated, “It is clear that real estate sales on the East End continue to be in strong. In addition, the increase over last year’s revenues can be attributed to the weather. Last year’s harsh winter depressed real estate activity in January and February. Comparatively, this year’s more seasonal weather did not hamper sales. Finally, the towns are well positioned to extend the fund for an additional 20 years and add water quality protection to land preservation in our efforts to protect the East End’s community character. A referendum on the extension and water quality amendments could be held by the Towns in 2016.” Below are revenues by Town to date for 2016 compared with the same period in 2015: