Representative Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) announced that two grants totaling $18,640,000, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), have been awarded for critical projects in New York’s 2nd District. Rep. Garbarino advocated for these projects, providing letters of support that outlined their benefits to local communities.

"Bringing federal dollars home to my district is one of the most rewarding aspects of representing Long Island in Congress," said Rep. Garbarino. "These grants will advance critical local infrastructure priorities designed to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity of our communities. I’m pleased that the Department of Transportation recognized the merit of these projects, and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition."

A $2,240,000 grant was awarded for the Ocean Avenue and Pond Road Grade Crossing Elimination Project as part of the DOT’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. The project was selected for Project Planning and Project Development and includes activities to eliminate two crossings on Long Island Railroad infrastructure in Islip, New York. The project will undertake the necessary planning, preliminary engineering, and NEPA activities to grade separate Ocean Avenue and Pond Road and enhance safety by reducing transportation related fatalities and serious injuries and improve traffic flow at the highway-rail grade crossings.

“We fully support the elimination of grade crossings within our system and the elimination of this busy grade crossing will improve safety in the surrounding community and LIRR operations,” said Long Island Rail Road President Robert Free.  “The LIRR is proud to have recently eliminated 8 grade crossings. We are excited to start design work with our partners at NYSDOT and greatly appreciate this grant.”

A $16,400,000 grant was awarded for the Long Island Greenway Brentwood to Bethpage Connector as part of the DOT’s RAISE Grant Program. The project will fund the construction of an approximate 12-mile segment of the Long Island Greenway (LIG) from Brentwood to Bethpage. This trail segment is part of a larger proposed 175-mile LIG which once completed will go from Manhattan to Montauk and be primarily off-road and utilize utility rights-of-way.

“The Brentwood to Bethpage Connector is a game-changer for Long Island. With Suffolk County leading the way and the steadfast support of Congressman Garbarino for the Long Island Greenway, we’re creating protected off-road spaces for people to walk, bike, and move safely across the communities of Long Island,” said Tamar Renaud, Associate Vice President, New York State Director at Trust for Public Land. “This trail will not only help people connect to each other and vital economic and public resources, but also to the outdoors, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world."

Rep. Garbarino is proud to offer grant assistance to local municipalities and organizations. For more information, visit garbarino.house.gov/services/grant-applicants.