Suffolk County officials were joined by community leaders Thursday to announce a $5 million grant to advance the connection of the Port Jefferson Station commercial area to the county sewer system.
The grant from the county’s Water Infrastructure Fund came from money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and makes the sewer project ready for construction and available for additional federal and state grants, according to a county statement.
“There is more sewer construction underway right now than our county has seen in more than 50 years, and we know from experience that having projects designed and ready to go is the key to success in leveraging additional state and federal fund,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said in the statement. “As a result of hard work and cooperation with town government and community leaders, we will break ground this month on sewer projects in Kings Park and Central Islip. Our goal here is to continue our partnership with the town and community to get to a similar groundbreaking for the Port Jefferson Station hub.”
The long-stalled sewer project will connect 73 parcels in the Port Jefferson Station commercial area to an existing treatment plant at Suffolk County Sewer District No. 2 in Mount Sinai. The plan was part of the community-based Port Jefferson Station Commercial Hub Study completed by the Town of Brookhaven in cooperation with a Citizens Advisory Committee in 2014.
“Investments into wastewater treatment are investments into the future of a community,” Suffolk Legis. Kara Hahn said in the statement. “With each project funded, Suffolk County is making a commitment to bettering lives through economic growth, community revitalization and a cleaner environment. Sewering will become the foundation on which the Port Jefferson Station hub will be built and move us forward toward the future residents envisioned in its 2014 commercial redevelopment plan.”
The county added the project to its capital program, and the design of the project is already underway. The funding just announced will be used to complete design of the project and go towards construction. The Suffolk County Sewer Agency is expected to approve a map, plan and report for the project in December, clearing the way for a public hearing and approval by the Suffolk County Legislature required for the county to let a construction contract for the project.
“I am proud I helped deliver hundreds of millions of dollars that are being used to expand and improve Suffolk County’s wastewater infrastructure,” U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in the statement. “I commend County Executive Steve Bellone for committing $5 million in American Rescue Plan aid, funding that I fought hard to get to Long Island, to advance the Port Jefferson Station Commercial Hub connection project. This project will revitalize Port Jefferson Station’s commercial corridor, boost economic development, and protect public health and the environment by stemming the tide of toxic nitrogen into our groundwater and waterways. Suffolk County is building back stronger post-pandemic and I will continue fighting each and every day to bring federal funds to Long Island.”
Marc Herbst, executive director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, praised the county executive, elected officials, and community leaders for their commitment to advancing Suffolk’s water infrastructure.
“The announcement of a $5 million grant from the county’s Water Infrastructure Fund to facilitate the connection of the Port Jefferson Station Commercial Hub area to the county sewer system is a significant step towards ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for our region,” Herbst said in the statement. “This work not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also lays the foundation for long-term growth and development on Long Island.”
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