A piece of legislation cosponsored by Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni (D-Sag Harbor) that affects how revenues collected by hotel/motel taxes may be spent was signed into law by Governor Hochul during a special ceremony on July 6.
At the beginning of the 2026 Legislative Session, Schiavoni introduced a bill that stipulated that $250,000 be directly appropriated to the Montauk Lighthouse. This legislation was included in the final agreement after discussions over the last year, which rapidly concluded at the end of this year’s Legislative Session.
Changes to how these revenues may be spent include $250,000 to the Montauk Lighthouse; an increase of $600,000 in cultural programming across Suffolk County; as well as temporary funding for infrastructure projects, which include the Ponquogue Bridge, the Shinnecock Canal, and other tourism-related, coastal resiliency, and water quality projects across the county.
Schiavoni, in collaboration with East End, county and town representatives, secured these additional funding levels for important projects in a region which generates much revenue for the entire county and state. The East End, especially Montauk, is a global tourism destination and contributes a large portion of hotel/motel tax revenues.
“The East End is a major revenue source for Suffolk County and New York State, and thanks to Governor Hochul and local partners, we are seeing more of that money coming back to our communities,” Schiavoni said. “I am proud to champion the symbol of our region and of our great state, the Montauk Lighthouse. I am also grateful to Suffolk County leaders for their attention to our needs here on the East End, especially our transportation infrastructure and protecting our natural resources as we continue to combat the effects of climate change.”
“The Montauk Lighthouse is an historic, iconic structure that has welcomed mariners to the waters of New York State for centuries,” Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker (D-Southampton) added. “Commissioned by President George Washington in 1792, and currently owned by The Montauk Historical Society, the Lighthouse continues to be a destination for those from near and far.”
East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said, “Montauk gives so much to Suffolk County and New York State, and it is only right that more of the tourism dollars generated here come back to care for the places that make people love this community. The Montauk Point Lighthouse is one of those places. It is part of our history and something residents take real pride in.”
“These funds will be a huge boost to the Montauk Point Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark that we are proud and honored to maintain,” said Mia Certic, executive Director of the Montauk Historical Society. “Thanks to this bill, we look forward to keeping our light shining bright for generations to come, welcoming ever more visitors and continuing to steer mariners into a safe harbor.”