Governor Hochul Announces $21 Million in Resiliency Investments to Protect Long Island Communities

Strategic Insights -

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a significant investment of $21 million in two major resiliency projects to protect communities in Suffolk and Nassau Counties from flooding and enhance infrastructure along key travel corridors on Long Island's South Shore. The projects, which include drainage and stormwater upgrades along the Meadowbrook and Wantagh State Parkways, as well as major improvements along Merrick Road (State Route 27A), aim to safeguard key travel corridors from the impact of coastal storms and climate change while improving pedestrian and cyclist access.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $21 million investment will allocate $11.7 million to Suffolk County and $9.5 million to Nassau County to address flooding concerns and enhance infrastructure along key travel corridors.
  • The projects will include drainage and stormwater upgrades, replacement of a nearly century-old culvert, and upgrade of infrastructure to reduce flooding in residential areas.
  • The improvements will also include raising the roadway above the 100-year flood elevation, widening the culvert, adding new shoulders, sidewalks, and bike accommodations, and installing pump stations, bolstered outflow pipes, and check valves.
  • The projects are expected to be completed in spring 2026 in Nassau County and spring 2027 in Suffolk County.
  • The investment is a follow-up to previous resiliency projects across Long Island, including the $130 million Nassau Expressway project that raised a major evacuation route by three feet.
  • The projects will improve the safety of infrastructure for residents and visitors, reduce flooding on state highways, and enhance the reliability and resiliency of drainage systems.
  • The funding for the projects comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law.

Statistics:

  • $21 million: Total investment in resiliency projects in Suffolk and Nassau Counties.
  • $11.7 million: Amount allocated for Suffolk County projects.
  • $9.5 million: Amount allocated for Nassau County projects.
  • 2026: Expected completion date for Nassau County projects.
  • 2027: Expected completion date for Suffolk County projects.
  • 130 million: Funding for the Nassau Expressway project that raised a major evacuation route by three feet.

Sources:

  • "Projects in Suffolk and Nassau Counties To Protect Communities From Flooding and Enhance Safety Along Key Travel Corridors" by the office of Governor Kathy Hochul.
  • "Gov. Hochul Announces $21 Million In Resiliency Investments" by Channel 12 News.
  • "New York is stepping up to fortify our state from the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on our infrastructure" by Governor Kathy Hochul.