Suffolk Reporter

HUNTINGTON, NY - Today, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) announced the delivery of $1 million in federal funding for the Town of Huntington. The funds are allocated as follows: $500,000 for the installation of microturbines at the Huntington Sewer District Wastewater Treatment Plant and $500,000 for flood mitigation in the Huntington Sewer District.

“As a lifelong Long Islander and graduate of St. Anthony’s High School, I’m proud to have been able to secure one million dollars in federal funding for the Town of Huntington to keep Huntington Harbor waters clean and safe. I appreciate the cooperation and partnership of Supervisor Smyth in protecting our critical natural resources,” said LaLota. “Ensuring Long Island families have access to clean and safe water will always be one of my priorities. I will continue to fight to make sure Long Islanders have a federal government that works for them, not against them, and delivering funding for vital infrastructure projects is part of this mission.”

“Our administration is focused on the maintenance and strengthening of the Town infrastructure,” said Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth. “Congressman LaLota's support of these initiatives on Capitol Hill helps keep local real estate taxes low, securing funds through federal aid.”

The $500,000 in funding for the Huntington Sewer District will allow for the installation of methane-powered microturbines at the Huntington Sewer District Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant currently vents and flares a portion of methane gas resulting from biological decomposition of liquid waste products. This methane can be captured and diverted to two efficient gas turbines, significantly offsetting annual energy costs and potentially making HSD a net energy supplier to the LIPA power grid during peak demand periods.

Additionally, another $500,000 will fund flood resiliency measures to protect and maintain treatment plant operations during flooding events. This ensures continued treatment during floods, preventing water quality impacts on marine surface waters in Huntington Harbor. The wastewater treatment plant serves an area exceeding 900 acres with an average daily flow limit of 2.6 million gallons per day. Wastewater is discharged through an outfall located in Huntington Harbor, classified as SA by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation—indicating its best usage for shellfishing for market purposes, swimming, and fishing.

The Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill provided funding for both projects and was signed into law in March.

Previously, LaLota secured $40 million for the Long Island Sound.

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