Suffolk lawmakers approve $3B capital budget, paving way for major sewer expansion
The budget, which runs through 2029, dedicates $1.5 billion specifically to wastewater infrastructure, a move county leaders and environmental advocates say is essential to protecting local waterways and improving public health.
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Suffolk County lawmakers have approved a $3‑billion capital budget that will fund a sweeping slate of infrastructure projects — including a long‑awaited plan to bring sewer systems to 14 communities that still rely heavily on cesspools.
The budget, which runs through 2029, dedicates $1.5 billion specifically to wastewater infrastructure, a move county leaders and environmental advocates say is essential to protecting local waterways and improving public health.
In Oakdale — one of the communities slated for upgrades — many homes still depend on cesspools. With the area’s high water table, heavy storms can overwhelm those systems, leaving residents unable to use basic plumbing.
Mac McCorquadale, who lives near the bay, said the situation has been costly and frustrating.
“When we first moved in, we would literally have the cesspool company pump out ground water, which is just throwing money down the drain,” he said.
Suffolk County has 1.5-million residents and roughly 70% the county is not connected to a sewer system.
Adrienne Esposito, of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said the investment will pay off in cleaner bays, beaches, and drinking water.
“Investing in sewers where we have too many septics means it will be better for public health, cleaner drinking water and cleaner beaches and bays,” she said.
The communities that will have sewers installed are:
Brentwood
West Babylon
Oakdale
West Islip
Wheatley Heights
Port Jefferson
Mastic
Shirley
St. James
Bellport
Centereach
Selden
Farmingville
Coram
