Freeport Gets $1.1M In Flood Protection Funds

FREEPORT, NY — The Village of Freeport secured a $1.1 million windfall for flood mitigation Thursday, with Congresswoman Laura Gillen and Mayor Robert Kennedy joining each other for a tour of the village’s nautical mile and an announcement of the funds.

Part of the Community Project Funding (CPF) funds for the 2026 fiscal year, Gillen’s office said the federal money will help construct five stations to pump floodwater back into waterways, and install tide check valves to monitor the flooding caused by storms and high tides.

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According to the congresswoman’s office, the flooding is a unique problem in Freeport, with residents facing basement floods, lawn damage, impassible roads and vehicle loss during high flood incidents.

“In partnership with local leaders, I am proud to have secured nearly $1.1 million in new federal funding to help address the constant, costly flooding in Freeport and along the Nautical Mile,” Gillen said. “This investment will help protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure from flooding while strengthening the community’s long-term resilience against future disasters. I’m grateful to Mayor Kennedy for his collaboration in improving the lives of Freeport residents for years to come.”

For the mayor, the funds could not only be a boost to private residents, but to first responders as well.

"Freeport residents are excited for the grant provided by Congresswoman Gillen and the installation of a pumping station on Miller Avenue and Richmond Street. The elimination of nuisance flooding in this area will prevent vehicle undercarriage corrosion for our residents' vehicles, commercial vehicles, Police vehicles, and Fire Department apparatus,” Kennedy said. “These new pumping stations have been installed in other waterfront areas in Freeport and are 100% effective. The Freeport community wants to thank Congresswoman Gillen for bettering the 'quality of life' for our residents and protecting village emergency vehicles.”