A massive sinkhole shut down Lido Boulevard for two weeks back in May following an underground manhole failure. A sewer line burst in Baldwin one month later, causing a sinkhole on Grand Avenue. Almost like clockwork, a sinkhole opened up in Oceanside a few weeks later in July when an underground water main pipe erupted.

These are just a few examples of Nassau County’s failing infrastructure. The problem was magnified again when roads buckled and sewage spilled into streets during Friday’s storm. The recent flooding and relentless rain have made it abundantly clear that Nassau County’s sewer and storm water infrastructure needs an overhaul.

Nassau’s Democratic lawmakers are asking their Republican counterparts for a plan—and how they are going to pay for it.

“Whether it’s heavy-duty pipes, whether it’s more absorption through natural plants and trees, to regular cleaning of drainage on roadways and more,” said Legislator Josh Lafazan, a Democrat serving District 18. “Our physical infrastructure, none of it is prepared.”

In 2021, Congress passed the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—so where is the money?

County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he has been fighting for it. However, all New York counties are up against a competitive process to apply for the federal grants.

“The county executive has had numerous conversations with federal and state officials requesting infrastructure funds to start repairing or replacing our sewer lines which have been neglected for decades,” said Chris Boyle, a spokesperson for Nassau County. “The president championed an infrastructure bill two and a half years ago of over $1 trillion which, as of today, Nassau County as well as most counties in New York State have not received one dime.”

There are several calls for a makeover of Nassau County’s sewer system after it was overwhelmed during Friday’s storm. The minority caucus wants the administration to be more aggressive in soliciting federal funds.

“There’s a slow pace that cannot continue,” said Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, a Democrat representing District 11. “We really need to light a fire.”

County lawmakers are also in the middle of budget talks. The 2024 proposed budget must be approved by the end of October.

“As the Democrats should know, Nassau County has invested over half a billion dollars for sewer and storm water infrastructure improvements over the next four years,” said Mary Studdert, spokesperson for the Nassau County Legislative Majority. “We invite the minority to support this year’s capital improvement plan and join us in our demand that Gov. Hochul allocate more federal infrastructure dollars towards storm hardening projects at the county level.”