Senator LaValle, Supervisor Romaine &Councilwoman Bonner Announce $3 Million NYS State Grant to Help Fund Mount Sinai Harbor

Farmingville, NY – On Monday, September 19, Senator Ken LaValle, Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilwoman Jane Bonner held a press conference to announce that State Senator Ken LaValle has secured a $3 million New York State Grant for the Town of Brookhaven to fund the rebuilding of the two protective jetties at the mouth of Mt. Sinai Harbor. The jetties are critical for the thousands of residents who utilize Mt. Sinai Harbor for recreational and commercial reasons, and to maintain public safety along the north shore of the Town. Brookhaven Town has budgeted $5.6 million for the remaining cost of the project. Also at the press conference were members of the Mt. Sinai Advisory Committee and Mount Sinai Yacht Club. Pictured are Supervisor Romaine (second from left), Senator LaValle and Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Tom Carrano, from the Town’s Division of Environmental Protection (back row, third from right), with members of the Mount Sinai Yacht Club and Mt. Sinai Harbor Advisory Committee and local marine business owners

Over the years, the rocks that comprise the jetties have collapsed such that the seaward ends of the jetties are submerged at high tide and the elevation of the jetty stones above the water surface at high tide is, in places, less than four feet. In addition, the west jetty becomes detached from the land at high water and sand may be passing through or around the east jetty (see photo below). Located between the two jetties is a navigational channel that provides access to the Long Island Sound from the deeper waters of the harbor; navigational traffic includes a large number of private pleasure craft, approximately 15 commercial fishing and lobster boats, and emergency rescue vessels including, police, fire department, and bay constables and the harbor functions as a place of refuge for vessels during storms.

Senator Ken LaValle said, “I am pleased to have secured $3 million in state funding to assist in the rebuilding of the Mt Sinai Jetty. When completed, the new jetty will ensure safe navigation for emergency responders, commercial fishermen, and pleasure boaters alike. The project has been a priority for the Town of Brookhaven, and, as always, it has been a pleasure working together with our local officials to make the reconstruction a reality.”

Supervisor Romaine said, “The safe navigation of Mt. Sinai Harbor depends heavily on the jetties, but their condition has worsened over the last few years. It’s time to move ahead and rebuild them before further deterioration occurs that could undermine their effectiveness. I thank Senator LaValle for his support on this project and for all that he does for the residents of Brookhaven Town.”

Councilwoman Bonner said, "Soon after taking office, I started working to secure the funding to rebuild the jetties. In that time, we've had Hurricane Irene, Super Storm Sandy and some nor'easters that caused further damage, making navigation more dangerous. Now, thanks to Senator LaValle's support, we can begin to rebuild the jetties, so that Mt. Sinai Harbor can be a much safer place for everyone. ”