Stony Brook University’s Southampton Campus has received $1.25 million to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan focused on improving roadway safety both on campus and in nearby communities. The funding consists of $1 million in federal support and $250,000 in state matching funds, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program.
The grant will be used to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities, while enhancing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and transit users traveling through Stony Brook’s campus and its surrounding areas. Since the campus roadways connect directly with Suffolk County infrastructure, the initiative will involve coordination with local and regional partners to ensure consistent improvements beyond university grounds.
Andrea Goldsmith, president of Stony Brook University, stated: “This investment will allow Stony Brook Southampton to take a proactive, collaborative approach to roadway safety that benefits our university community as well as our surrounding neighborhoods. We are grateful to our federal and state partners for their strong advocacy and support of this important work.”
Support from Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Representative Nick LaLota, New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo, and former New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele was acknowledged by the university as instrumental in securing the competitive grant.
As part of the plan’s development process, Stony Brook Southampton will create a long-term framework that includes specific goals and performance measures for tracking progress. A working group made up of university stakeholders and community representatives will guide planning efforts to integrate safety into ongoing campus operations.
The university plans to review current roadway conditions along with crash data; engage students, faculty, staff, and local residents; and identify prioritized short- and long-term safety improvements. Regular public updates are planned throughout implementation to maintain transparency.
The SS4A program is designed to help local initiatives across the country prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries—a goal aligned with Stony Brook University’s commitment to providing a safe environment for its community.
Stony Brook’s Office of Government and Community Relations played a key role in identifying this grant opportunity and securing necessary support from government leaders. The office continues its broader mission of connecting the university with government resources that advance research initiatives while benefiting both campus members and neighboring communities.
