Governor Hochul unveils over $21 million in targeted flood resiliency investments to protect Long Island’s South Shore communities from extreme weather

New York – In a determined push to defend Long Island’s South Shore against worsening flood risks and climate-driven storms, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced two major infrastructure upgrades totaling more than $21 million. The projects, spanning both Suffolk and Nassau Counties, aim to strengthen travel corridors, safeguard neighborhoods, and ensure essential routes remain passable during extreme weather.

This initiative underscores a broader commitment by New York State to modernize its coastal infrastructure amid increasingly frequent storm events — events that threaten not only property, but also lives and livelihoods. By investing in smart flood management systems, stormwater drainage improvements, and transportation safety measures, the state is laying the foundation for a more resilient Long Island.

“New York is stepping up to fortify our state from the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on our infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. “We have already seen several historic rain events this year, and the need for smart investments to reduce the risk of flooding and keep roadways safe has never been greater. By enhancing critical South Shore roadways, this project will keep Long Island communities safe, especially during extreme weather events.”

Tackling Flooding on Two Fronts

The $21 million resiliency investment is divided between two high-impact projects. One focuses on the coastal Village of Amityville in Suffolk County, and the other targets two low-lying, flood-prone spots in Nassau County. Each project is specifically designed to combat existing flooding challenges while preparing the region for future climate-related threats.

In Suffolk County, a sizable $11.7 million will go toward improving flood resiliency along Merrick Road (State Route 27A), a major artery in the Village of Amityville. At the center of the project is the replacement of an aging culvert — nearly 100 years old — that currently channels Amityville Creek beneath the roadway. Over time, the aging structure has become inadequate, contributing to street and residential flooding during storms.

The upgrades will raise the road above the 100-year flood elevation and expand the culvert’s width. This will not only increase water flow capacity, reducing the likelihood of overflow, but also support aquatic habitats disrupted by past flooding. The project also includes widened shoulders, new sidewalks, and accommodations for cyclists — all aimed at making the roadway safer and more accessible for everyone.

Construction in Amityville will be managed carefully to maintain traffic flow. Emergency vehicle access and two-way traffic will continue throughout the project’s lifespan, which is expected to wrap up by spring 2027.

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Amityville Village Mayor Michael O’Neill expressed his support:

“We are grateful for our continued partnership with New York State, and we welcome every effort to address flooding in our community. The added benefit of transforming the area adjacent to Amityville High School into a safe walkable space combined with the overall improvements to the roadway, reinforces our commitment to student safety and enhances the quality of life for all Amityville residents.”

A Coordinated Effort in Nassau County

In Nassau County, a $9.5 million investment is set to address recurring flooding problems in two heavily traveled state parkways — the Meadowbrook State Parkway at Merrick Road (Exit M9) and the Wantagh State Parkway at Bay Parkway near Jones Beach. These sites are notorious for flooding during high tides and severe storms, especially impacting beachgoers, emergency responders, and residents attempting to evacuate.

The project includes the installation of high-capacity pump stations, upgraded outflow pipes, and backflow-prevention check valves — all of which are essential in ensuring stormwater can be drained even during tidal surges when water would otherwise push back into the system. Additionally, a new drainage pipe will be added near Jones Beach Field 5 to alleviate persistent ponding that hampers concertgoers and swimmers alike.

The construction will be mostly off-road to limit disruptions to traffic. Lane closures, where necessary, will be scheduled during off-peak hours in line with New York’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes travel efficiency during infrastructure upgrades. This phase of the project is slated for completion by spring 2026.

“Governor Kathy Hochul understands the challenges we are facing with rising sea waters and the impacts of stronger, more intense and frequent storms, and the Department of Transportation has been laser focused on executing projects that increase resiliency on Long Island and across New York State,” said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “These projects on Long Island will reduce flooding on our state highways, especially during evacuations for extreme weather events, and will enhance the safety of our infrastructure for residents and visitors.”

Building on a Decade of Progress

While these two new investments represent a leap forward, they are part of a broader continuum of resiliency efforts initiated after Hurricane Sandy devastated Long Island in 2012. In the years since, the state has funneled hundreds of millions into improving flood control and drainage infrastructure across vulnerable communities.

Among the major milestones already completed are the $130 million Nassau Expressway project — which raised a key evacuation route by three feet — and the construction of large stormwater recharge basins to handle runoff from highways. Other enhancements have included reinforcing culverts, installing new drainage systems, and modernizing aging stormwater infrastructure to better withstand the growing frequency of extreme rain and tidal events.

Now, with the new funding, state and federal leaders are doubling down on the importance of staying ahead of climate threats through forward-thinking investments.

Strong Federal and Local Support

The state’s initiative has garnered enthusiastic backing from federal lawmakers and local leaders alike. Elected officials emphasized the dual benefits of safety and economic development, and praised the collaboration that brought federal infrastructure funds back to Long Island.

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“Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, these critical infrastructure upgrades along Long Island’s South Shore will make these vital corridors safer and more accessible during flooding and extreme weather,” said Senator Charles Schumer. “I am proud to help deliver these major federal dollars to create good-paying jobs, enhance safety and improve our aging roads. I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to strengthening our infrastructure, and I will continue to fight for the investments needed to boost the economy and build a more flood-resilient future.”

Senator Kristen Gillibrand added, “As climate change makes severe storms and floods more frequent, we must build smarter and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure that can protect residents, businesses, and commuters from extreme weather events that can be catastrophic. I am grateful that these investments will help safeguard Long Island travel corridors from severe flooding, and I will continue to work tirelessly to bring federal dollars home to keep New Yorkers safe.”

Long Island’s representatives in Congress echoed the importance of making resiliency a local priority.

“Bringing federal dollars home to Long Island is exactly why I was proud to vote for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said Representative Andrew Garbarino. “These flood mitigation projects in Suffolk and Nassau Counties are long-overdue investments to protect South Shore communities during severe storms.”

Representative Laura Gillen said, “Flooding continues to be a serious threat to the safety, mobility and quality of life for Long Islanders. This funding is a necessary investment to protect critical infrastructure, including major evacuation routes like Meadowbrook and Wantagh State Parkways.”

Local voices also emphasized the practical implications for neighborhoods.

“Governor Hochul’s $21 million investment in resiliency projects is a transformative step towards safeguarding Long Island’s South Shore communities,” said Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow. “By addressing flooding with dedicated funding in Suffolk and Nassau County, we’re not just protecting properties, we’re enhancing safety and infrastructure for every resident along these vital regions.”

State Senator Siela A. Bynoe, who serves on both the Transportation and Environmental Conservation Committees, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the projects.

“Improving flood resiliency in these areas is not just a matter of infrastructure; it’s about protecting lives, preserving communities, and ensuring that Long Islanders are safe and connected, even in the face of climate change.”

A Long-Term Vision for Resilience

While climate change poses a rising threat, leaders say these kinds of investments demonstrate that the state is not backing down from the challenge. Instead, New York is using data, community input, and cutting-edge engineering to create infrastructure that is not only stronger, but smarter.

State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons noted the broader impact on public life:

“Our Long Island State Parks are visited by millions of people every year for swimming, fishing, attending concerts and events, and more. I am grateful to the Department of Transportation for fortifying and upgrading the vital infrastructure that parkgoers rely on to get to the places where they enjoy much-needed healthy activity and relaxation with friends and family.”

These projects are a visible sign that Long Island’s future is not being left to chance. With major roadways being lifted, water pathways widened, and drainage systems made more efficient, residents and visitors alike can have greater confidence that their communities will hold strong — no matter the storm.

And while it will take time for every project to reach completion, the message from New York’s leadership is clear: preparation is progress.

For up-to-date traffic and construction information, residents are encouraged to use the 511NY mobile app or visit www.511NY.org.