Farmingdale, NY - January 10, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today unveiled a proposal to invest $160 million in transformative projects on Long Island. The proposal includes $120 million for the LIRR - to provide state-of-the-art enhancements to 16 stations and improve system connectivity with a new terminal at MacArthur Airport and a new stop at Brookhaven National Laboratory - and $40 million to build sewers that will support economic growth and environmental sustainability in Smithtown and Kings Park. These transformative infrastructure projects contribute to the resiliency and strength of Long Island, and provide vital support to bolster the continued growth of the region.
"These major, transformative investments in Long Island's core infrastructure invest in the future resiliency and strength of the region," Governor Cuomo said. "Enhanced LIRR stations will connect further than they ever have before, and these vital water infrastructure projects will support environmental sustainability and bolster economic growth. With these projects, we equip Long Island will the tools and resources to drive commercial activity, create jobs, and build a stronger Long Island for generations to come."
Last year, under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State invested in a wide array of transformative infrastructure projects on Long Island. From the $50 million Hofstra University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences hub, to the $50 million Brookhaven National Laboratory, to the $25 million Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Center for Therapeutics Research, these projects are smart investments to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
To build on the success of those projects, Governor Cuomo proposes investing an additional $160 million in transformative projects on Long Island.
Enhancing Stations and Connecting the LIRR with MacArthur Airport and Brookhaven National Laboratory
Governor Cuomo proposes investing $120 million to enhance LIRR stations and improve system connectivity. The MTA will cover $35 million of this investment.
$80 million will be invested in $5 million major enhancements at 16 critical LIRR stations to improve the customer experience. The station upgrades will include new facilities, Wi-Fi, charging stations, public art, new platform waiting areas, general station renovations and improved signage. All of these enhancements will be customized to the needs of each station and constructed with minimal disruptions.
The 16 stations are broken up by county below.
Nassau County Stations:
- Great Neck
- Bellmore
- Stewart Manor
- Valley Stream
- Baldwin
- Merrick
- Syosset
- Farmingdale
Suffolk County Stations:
- Northport
- Stony Brook
- Port Jefferson
- Wyandanch
- Deer Park
- Brentwood
- Ronkonkoma
- East Hampton
A $20 million project will add a stop on the LIRR Ronkonkoma Branch at the center of Long Island’s innovation corridor at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
An additional $20 million will support the development of a new terminal at MacArthur Airport to provide direct service to the LIRR.
Investing in Business District Infrastructure for Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability
Governor Cuomo proposes investing $40 million to support economic growth, environmental sustainability and water quality in business districts in Smithtown and Kings Park.
The $20 million Smithtown Business District Sewer Improvement Area project will install sanitary infrastructure in the business district. Additionally, a $20 million Kings Park Wastewater Treatment Facility be installed in the 100-acre, 140 lot central business district area adjacent to a railroad station.