Column by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine |
On Election Day, voters will be casting their votes for President, U.S. Senate, Congress and state legislators.
In Suffolk County, voters also have a once-in-a-generation chance to safeguard the future of Suffolk County’s surface and groundwater in Proposition 2.
The proposition allows Suffolk County to begin the arduous process of bringing our wastewater infrastructure into the 21st Century. Whether it is sewering our downtowns or supporting our neighbors installing I/A systems to combat nitrogen pollution, the successful passage of Proposition 2 gives us the tools we need to succeed.
Passage of Prop 2 establishes Suffolk’s eligibility for state and federal funding. Recouping as many tax dollars from New York State is important to operate Suffolk County.
Proposition 2 also continues the highly successful Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program (SCDWPP).
The SCDWPP is responsible for preserving thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land, stabilizing sewer rates and supporting clean water efforts.
We do not have to look far to see the need for improved wastewater infrastructure. Harmful algal blooms, brown tides, rust tides, mahogany tides and hypoxia fill our summer headlines and are the cause of many beach closures each season.
We know, though, that through sewers, smart zoning and open space preservation the damage is reversible.
The obstacles we face are steep, but they are not insurmountable.
Building sewage infrastructure creates jobs and helps our small businesses and downtowns to flourish. The advancement of our downtowns creates permanent jobs in our communities and expands housing stock options for young people looking to start off and older folks looking to downsize. Our legacy fishing industry and emerging aquaculture industry will be able to expand employment and production as the environment improves.
It is not an understatement to say that passage of Proposition 2 is the most important measure voters have had on the ballot in generations, and its passage ensures our environment will grow stronger and protect the way of life that is a cornerstone of Suffolk County. This is not a political issue. It affects every present—and future—resident of Suffolk County and beyond.
Top: Patchogue Bay captured during sunset. (GLI Photo/Nick Esposito)
