By Hank Russell
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and the presiding officer, Kevin McCaffrey, thanked the county voters for helping pass a proposal that they said will help improve the quality of the county’s potable water supply.
On November 5, Suffolk County residents overwhelmingly approved Proposition 2, in which an 0.125% sales tax increase will be implemented to modernize sewers and fund critical wastewater infrastructure in Suffolk County. Last month, Romaine sent an op-ed to Long Island Life & Politics calling for Suffolk residents to vote for Prop 2. It passed, 71.58%-28.42%, according to the Suffolk County Board of Elections.
The Suffolk Water Quality Restoration Act was signed into law by Romaine and approved by the county Legislature and New York State earlier this year, but was contingent on voter approval.
“Clean water is essential to the long-term viability of our region. I applaud the voters for prioritizing the need to protect our bays and our drinking water,” said Romaine. “With the passage of this referendum, we will begin to lay the foundation to enhance sewer projects and clean water infrastructure in Suffolk County.”
In addition to the one-eighth of a penny sales tax, the bill will extend the existing one-quarter percent sales tax to fund water quality initiatives and establish a new one-eighth percent. The funding mechanism goes into effect in March 2025 and is expected to generate $49 million in 2025. Funds will be available for use beginning in 2026.
The act is projected to generate nearly $3 billion in clean water infrastructure funds through 2060 with an even distribution towards sewer projects and Innovative and Alternative On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A Systems).
For those who complained about the additional tax increase, McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) pointed out that the financial impact is only 12 cents on each $100 purchase. “[It] is a small price to pay for cleaner water for generations to come.”
McCaffrey also noted that the passage of Prop 2 will not only mean a cleaner environment, but more jobs.
“With Prop 2’s overwhelming approval, Suffolk County can now embark on a long-term plan to expand and upgrade Suffolk’s aging wastewater infrastructure and establish a new, stable, and long-term funding source for wastewater improvement projects,” he said. “A yes vote was good science, good economics, and good sense. This is a proud moment for the County, and for my colleagues and the stakeholders who made it happen.”