Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today announced that he has secured $110,000 in new state funding to help improve drainage and mitigate tidal flooding in the Village of Freeport.
The state funding will enable the Village of Freeport to purchase and install new check valves throughout South Freeport to help mitigate flooding in many vulnerable areas. According to the Village, the valves incorporate a new, innovative design that improves drainage by keeping debris from getting caught in the valve.
Earlier this year, the Village installed a small number of these type of valves on two outfall pipes along Hudson Avenue. According to the Village, the valves have been very successful at preventing nuisance flooding in the area. The state funding will enable the Village to install 22 additional valves throughout South Freeport.
“The Village has been trying to upgrade its infrastructure to protect residents from having their homes and yards flooded during extreme rain storms. This funding will enable the Village to upgrade its drainage system and improve the quality of life for residents in South Freeport,” said Senator Fuschillo.
"I am pleased that our homes, businesses, and roadways will now have sufficient protection against the severe damage that is caused by nuisance high tide flooding from our storm drains, which happens monthly at least 2 to 3 times in certain areas. Since I have researched and conducted a pilot on this revolutionary Check Valve Technology, they've produced a 100% success rate with preventing the flooding that does not breach our bulkheads or flash flooding during heavy rain and high tide. Obtaining this grant was a necessary step to proceed in our current roadway upgrade projects," said Freeport Mayor Andrew Hardwick.
