Suffolk County Legislative District 2 to Benefit from 2015-2017 Capital Budget

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone signed the 2015-2017 capital budget into law on June 13.

Many of the capital projects approved in the budget are in Legislator Jay Schneiderman’s legislative 2nd district, which is comprised of the entire South Fork including Shelter Island, Eastport and a small part of East Moriches.  

One of the major projects in the 2nd legislative district to be funded in the capital budget is the reconstruction of the Riverside traffic circle. It was allocated $4 for improvements to be built in 2016. It will be engineered into a two lane oval roundabout with sidewalks and crosswalks, facilitating traffic flow and drainage in the area.

Schneiderman also succeeded in adding $2 million in county funding for sewers as part of the Riverside Revitalization Project in future years.

The 2015-2017 capital budget includes $500,000 for the Historic Restoration and Preservation Fund, which includes over ten historic structures in Suffolk County. Among the projects destined to receive funding from the Historic Restoration and Preservation Fund are the Cedar Island Lighthouse at Cedar Point County Park in East Hampton, and the Big Duck, in Flanders.

An additional project funded by the capital budget within the district is the improvement of Three Mile Harbor Road (CR-40) in East Hampton, which has been allocated $550,000 for next year to plan the construction phase slated for 2017. The total estimated cost of this project for construction is $5,500,000. It will improve safety and mobility on Three Mile Harbor Road, Springs/Fireplace Road (CR-41) and Hog Creek Road (CR-45). The improvements include re-pavement and asphalt resurfacing, new curbing and sidewalks, drainage repairs and upgrades.

The intersection of Old Riverhead Road (CR-31) and Montauk Highway (CR-80) in Westhampton will also be improved. Plans include a larger turning radius, enhancing traffic signals and pavement marking modifications. The improvements will make it easier for large commercial trucks making right turns on to Montauk Highway from CR-31. For this project $450,000 has been allocated for construction in 2015.

Schneiderman also fought for secured $1 million in serial bonds for planning in 2016 for the Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike (CR-79). This project will upgrade the drainage system and include other improvements such as full depth pavement construction, asphalt resurfacing and curb and sidewalk replacement. Construction will not occur until after 2017 and is estimated at $9 million.

Other lines in the budget which will improve the infrastructure within the 2nd legislative district include allocating $200,000 in 2017 to improve water quality in Napeaugue Harbor by opening the East Inlet; and $500,000 for the reconstruction of the Shinnecock canal locks slated  to begin in 2015.

Schneiderman was also successful in adding a new capital project to the budget securing $200,000 for construction of drainage improvements and parking improvements to the Shinnecock West parking lot and is slated to begin in 2016.

Additionally included in the 2015-2017 capital budget is funding for the rehabilitation of the draw bridges which has been allocated $2.5 million for 2015. The funding will go towards the cost of inspecting and evaluating of all mechanical, electrical, and structural components of moveable bridges including Quogue Bridge, and the Beach Lane Bridge and West Bay Bridge in Westhampton.