The state will soon dump 75 tons of steel into Long Island waters for an artificial reef program aimed to support marine life.

For the Smithtown reef, recycled materials from the Department of Transportation will include two 40-foot canal boats. The state Department of Environmental Conservation says everything is inspected and cleaned of hazardous substances before going into the water.

Reefs provide habitats for small marine organisms that become food for increasingly large fish along the food chain, according to Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The end result will also benefit recreational and sport fishing, according to officials.