By Ed Romaine
I recently had the chance to voice our region’s concerns to the New York State Senate Minority Delegation. And believe me, between the unfunded mandates from Albany, rising healthcare and pension costs, and a lack of state funding, there are many actionable steps Albany can take.
I was happy, though, to showcase the progress we have made both this year and in my first term. It is that progress that contributes to my vision of a safer and more affordable Suffolk — a blueprint for other leaders around the state.
Bond Rating Upgrades
The clearest reflection of the positive budgeting changes implemented in Suffolk is our rising bond rating by both Fitch Ratings and S&P. Both agencies currently rate the county at ‘AA-’ and have improved the ratings on outstanding bonds.
Similarly, both ratings agencies give Suffolk County a positive outlook going forward. Backing up this assessment are Suffolk’s large reserve funds, conservative budgeting practices and estimation and our sizable tax base.
Infrastructure
Suffolk County maintains 1,150 lane miles of highways, 110 bridges (including 39 New York State bridges’ wearing surfaces), 194 culverts, 57 spillways, 31 bulkheads, and 4 bascule (movable) bridges, has oversight over 80 priority navigational channels and manages approximately 650 traffic signals. These tasks include permitting and regulatory compliance required by various state and federal agencies to ensure transportation remains safe.
We saw our Department of Public Works work with regulators in real time this past year when the aging Smith Point Bridge was temporarily reduced to a three-ton weight limit by the state DOT. Working with the state, we were able to keep one lane open at 15 tons, allowing emergency vehicles to access the beach.
Through executive action, I have fast-tracked the retrofitting of the bridge and the construction of a new bridge. A press release from 2021 under my predecessor touts that a new Smith Point Bridge was to be completed in 2024. Unfortunately, County Executive Steve Bellone did not initiate that project. Delaying maintenance only increases costs, as seen by the need to retrofit the current bridge.
Sewering
Thanks to voters who passed the referendum authorized by the Suffolk County Clean Water Act, Suffolk County now has the revenue stream needed to support many of the ambitious sewer projects underway.
Voters in Oakdale and Great River approved the Great River Sewer Expansion with 89% of the vote. This project will connect 400 homes to the Southwest Sewer District, with connection costs covered by state and federal grants.
Earlier in the year, the Forge River Sewer Treatment plant connected nearly 2,000 homes and businesses in the Forge River Watershed to the district.
Up and down the island both have ambitious wastewater projects underway that serve the dual purpose of economic development and removing nitrogen from our surface and groundwater.
Social Services
How many harrowing, horrible stories have we heard on the nightly news of children trafficked, abused or worse in our county? Too many.
My office has spearheaded Operation Safe and Lasting Return to facilitate a multi-agency effort to locate and return trafficked children and adolescents. By examining the worst cases, we have identified major gaps in communication between departments, law enforcement, and not-for-profits, and have remedied these deficiencies with new technology and processes.
We unveiled these changes at our annual child protection conference, attended by hundreds of social workers, law enforcement officers, and educators.
On other matters of Social Services, such as administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), we have increased the number of applications fulfilled in a timely manner to 95.5% currently, from 59% in January of 2024.
We accomplished this without any budgetary changes.
Together, through commonsense policies, we can continue to increase the delivery of basic government services without straining our finances.
Public Safety
These past two years, I have increased the number of police officers and detectives in the Suffolk County Police Department to keep our communities safe.
Working with our legislature, I passed laws to stop illegal street takeovers, prevent the sale of illegal vaping products and protect our communities. Quality-of-life concerns are a major priority for my administration.
Many of these issues have real victims and consequences. For example, a street takeover earlier this year blocked emergency responders, delaying ambulance arrival to a critical call, putting lives at risk. Likewise, flavored vape products are actively marketed to children, increasing health risks among the youth in our community.
Together with our partners in government and community leaders, I remain committed to making Suffolk safer and more affordable. Thank you for your continued support. I wish you happy holidays and a happy New Year.
Ed Romaine is the Suffolk County Executive.