Today, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) released the following statement after securing $1.25 million for the Suffolk County Water Authority’s Westhampton Water Main Extension project.
“Every American has a right to safe, reliable, and clean drinking water. I was proud to secure $1.25 million for the Suffolk County Water Authority to help mitigate PFAS contamination in Westhampton, as well as millions to support similar infrastructure projects across Suffolk County and protect our water,” said LaLota. “Ensuring this funding can directly benefit Long Island families is essential to my work in Washington. Putting Suffolk County first has always been and will continue to be my guiding light in Congress.”
“We are deeply grateful to Congressman LaLota for his advocacy for the Westhampton community,” said Charlie Lefkowitz, Chairman of the Suffolk County Water Authority. “Clean drinking water is the right of every New Yorker but making these projects affordable is critical to giving access to that resource. The residents in Westhampton are faced with the uncertainty that comes when their private wells are contaminated with PFAS. They can’t trust the water they drink. Thanks to this funding we will soon be able to extend high-quality public water to these families, giving them peace of mind every time they turn on the tap.”
Background:
Funding for this project will allow for the extension of the water main for 64 homes in the vicinity of Old Country Road in Westhampton. The homes are within a Suffolk County Department of Health Services survey area for PFAS. This project will provide these homes with access to clean water and constantly tested drinking water.
The Suffolk County Water Authority funding is provided by the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which was signed into law in March.
Last week, LaLota announced $1.5 million in federal funding for the Town of Brookhaven’s Port Jefferson Harbor dredging and wave wall construction project.
For a list of all funding secured by Rep. LaLota in FY23, click HERE.