The Town of Riverhead has been awarded several major funding allocations totaling more than $20 million. The money will be used to make critical infrastructure and public safety upgrades.
The new funding includes $2.25 million in federal grant funds to expand public water service along River Road in Calverton, a $2 million grant and $16 million in interest-free financing for the construction of new biosolids processing facilities, and $280,000 for the purchase of four new police vehicles.
Supervisor Jerry Halpin thanked the elected officials at the federal and state levels for the town,” adding, “The Congressional delegation in both houses worked cooperatively towards extending public water to those currently served by private wells impacted by contaminants, reducing sludge volume by supporting investment in biosolids projects and bolstering public safety by upgrading the police fleet.”
According to Water District Superintendent Frank Mancini, the $2.25 million of newly awarded funds represent the final piece of the financial puzzle needed to complete the River Road public water extension, ensuring all affected homes will soon have access to public water.
At the state level, Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead) helped secure a $2 million grant and $16 million in interest-free financing through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation. The funds will enable the Riverhead Sewer District to construct new sludge stabilization systems that reduce sludge volume and disposal costs.
“The $2 million grant and the ability to borrow funds interest-free provide long-term savings for taxpayers as we modernize our wastewater infrastructure,” said Riverhead Sewer District Superintendent Tim Allen. “These upgrades will both protect our environment and reduce future operating costs.”
In addition, Riverhead’s Congressional delegation announced that $280,000 in federal funding has been awarded to the Town of Riverhead to purchase four new marked police vehicles. Riverhead Police Chief Ed Frost said, “We’re grateful that our Congressional delegation championed this Community Project for our department. Having access to four new vehicles will help ensure our officers can confidently do their job and not worry about their equipment being a hindrance due to age.”
Halpin added, “This collective success reflects the teamwork of our federal and state representatives, as well as our local departments, all working toward a stronger, more sustainable Riverhead.”