Town Awarded $3M Grant For Water Infrastructure Projects

RIVERHEAD, NY — Riverhead Town was awarded a $3 million grant to support water infrastructure projects.

According to a release from Riverhead Town Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith, the grant was funded through the New York State's Water Infrastructure Improvement Act and Intermunicipal Grant programs and announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

"Investing in our state's water infrastructure is critical to regional growth and prosperity and maintaining safe, healthy communities," Cuomo said. "By improving our water infrastructure, we are protecting our natural resources, laying the groundwork for future prosperity and helping to create a stronger, healthier, New York for all."

Others agreed: "It's critical that we ensure our drinking water is free of contaminants and safe for all New Yorkers," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This investment in grants for infrastructure improvements on Long Island will address needs to enhance and protect water quality, and also help to create more than 1,000 jobs in the area. We want to make sure that communities have the resources they need to make upgrades to their water treatment systems and ensure the health and safety of residents."

Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith thanked Cuomo for recognizing the need in Riverhead for the funding. "Since coming into office I have made ensuring our residents continue to have clean drinking water a priority," she said. "This grant money will go toward much needed improvements, so that we can continue that mission. Protecting our water resources is essential to maintaining our residents’ health, and I could not be happier with today’s announcement that Riverhead is receiving this money.”

Patch file photo of Peconic in Riverhead by Lisa Finn.