Suffolk Reporter

SMITHTOWN, NY - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) announced today that he has secured over $1.38 million for flood mitigation in the Town of Smithtown. The funding will be divided between two projects: $1 million to improve Main Street Smithtown Stormwater Infrastructure and $384,800 for the Kings Park Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Business District Stormwater Infrastructure Project.

"I’m proud to deliver on my promise to always put Suffolk County First by securing critical federal funding for Smithtown and Kings Park. This funding will ensure safer living conditions for residents by bolstering resilience against future environmental challenges like flooding and improving water quality," said LaLota. "I appreciate Supervisor Wehrheim’s collaboration to help our shared constituents. I remain committed to advocating for resources that enhance families' overall quality of life across Suffolk County.”

Smithtown Town Supervisor Edward Wehrheim expressed his gratitude towards Rep. LaLota's efforts, stating, “I am truly grateful to Rep. LaLota for this exceptional win for the people of Smithtown and our precious waterways. Congressman Nick LaLota has brought our tax dollars back to the people of Smithtown, as a freshman representative. This is no small task and reflective of his commitment to deliver for his constituents."

Wehrheim further emphasized the importance of updated stormwater infrastructure in protecting aquatic life, water quality, and preventing flooding and dangerous road conditions which can significantly impact residents' cost of living.

The funds allocated for the Kings Park project will enable flood mitigation at the Kings Park LIRR Business District municipal lot, reducing stormwater contamination in the Long Island Sound Watershed.

The Town of Smithtown project involves installing sixteen drainage pools and five catch basins in the NYS Route 25 municipal lot for flood mitigation purposes. These measures are expected to reduce runoff into the Nissequogue River tributary and the Long Island Sound, while also preventing recurring flood damage for Main Street businesses after heavy rainfall.

The funding for both projects was provided by the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which was signed into law in March. Previously, LaLota announced $1 million in federal funding for the Village of Southampton’s Sewer System Installation project.