Local officials in Port Washington are celebrating nearly $2.2 million in federal funding aimed at upgrading aging sewer infrastructure and protecting water quality in Manhasset Bay.
The funding, secured by U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, will support two major infrastructure projects on the Port Washington peninsula, including a sewer replacement project in the Village of Manorhaven and pump station upgrades by the Port Washington Water Pollution Control District.
Suozzi gathered Friday, Feb. 27, with Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and local leaders to celebrate the arrival of the federal funds.
The Village of Manorhaven received $1.092 million to help replace a nearly 70-year-old gravity sewer pipe running beneath Sheets Creek Channel. The pipeline is a critical component of the village’s sewer system, connecting the main portion of Manorhaven to a pump station.
Another $1.092 million will go to the Port Washington Water Pollution Control District to upgrade two pump stations that are more than 60 years old.
“Suozzi’s relentless advocacy has delivered nearly $2.2 million for critical infrastructure improvements that will safeguard our drinking water and protect Manhasset Bay — all while alleviating the tax burden on local residents for these essential upgrades,” DeRiggi-Whitton said.
She credited Suozzi for working with local officials to secure the funding and said the investment will help protect water quality throughout the Port Washington peninsula.
Village of Manorhaven Mayor John Popeleski, said the sewer replacement project has been in development for several years and is ready to begin construction.
“Today, I am very proud as the mayor of the village of Manorhaven to accept this check from Congressman Tom Suozzi for the start of a $5 million dig-ready project with all DEC permits,” Popeleski said in a statement on Facebook.
He said the aging pipe plays a vital role in the village’s wastewater system and warned that failure could have major environmental consequences.
“This pipe is a critical part of the village sewer system because it connects the main part of Manorhaven to our pump station,” Popeleski said. “If it fails, it would take years to clean up Manhasset Bay.”
Popeleski added that the funding will help the village secure additional grants and reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers.
The Port Washington Water Pollution Control District plans to use its federal allocation to modernize two key pump stations known as Pump Stations C and F.
Melanie Cassens, a commissioner with the district, said the upgrades are long overdue and will improve reliability across the sewer system.
“We are so excited to get this money,” Cassens said.
One of the stations, Pump Station F, is located at Sunset Park and is among the district’s largest facilities.
Cassens said the district had been working for several years to secure funding for the project and emphasized that federal support will prevent the costs from falling entirely on local residents.
“We would have had to do this work no matter what,” she said. “But now the taxpayers don’t have to pay for it, and that’s really what it’s all about — trying to save the taxpayers money.”
The Port Washington projects are part of a larger federal appropriations package championed by Suozzi that provides $12.35 million for 12 projects across Long Island and Queens, including investments in police equipment, drinking water systems and sewer infrastructure.
“Republicans and Democrats worked together in Washington to deliver more than $12 million for projects essential to New York communities,” Suozzi said in a statement.
“This funding will help keep our drinking water clean, strengthen sewer systems and support our police departments. Local governments and water districts urged me to secure this funding, and I’m thrilled we were able to deliver.”
