Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) announced the award of two significant grants, totaling $18,640,000, from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for vital infrastructure projects in New York’s 2nd Congressional District. The funding, which Garbarino actively supported through advocacy and letters of endorsement, is set to improve safety, traffic flow, and community connectivity across Long Island.
A $2,240,000 grant was allocated to this initiative under the DOT’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. The project focuses on eliminating two grade crossings along Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) infrastructure in Islip. The funding will support essential planning, preliminary engineering, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) activities to grade-separate Ocean Avenue and Pond Road.
The goal is to enhance safety by reducing transportation-related fatalities and injuries while improving traffic flow at the busy crossings. “We fully support the elimination of grade crossings within our system and the elimination of this busy grade crossing will improve safety in the surrounding community and LIRR operations,” said Long Island Rail Road President Robert Free. “The LIRR is proud to have recently eliminated 8 grade crossings. We are excited to start design work with our partners at NYSDOT and greatly appreciate this grant.”
The second grant, totaling $16,400,000, was awarded through the DOT’s RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) Grant Program. This funding will finance the construction of a 12-mile segment of the Long Island Greenway (LIG) from Brentwood to Bethpage.
The proposed trail is part of a larger 175-mile greenway that will extend from Manhattan to Montauk. Once completed, the trail will be primarily off-road and use utility rights-of-way, providing a safe and accessible path for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation.
“The Brentwood to Bethpage Connector is a game-changer for Long Island. With Suffolk County leading the way and the steadfast support of Congressman Garbarino for the Long Island Greenway, we’re creating protected off-road spaces for people to walk, bike, and move safely across the communities of Long Island,” said Tamar Renaud, Associate Vice President, New York State Director at Trust for Public Land. “This trail will not only help people connect to each other and vital economic and public resources, but also to the outdoors, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.”
Garbarino emphasized the importance of securing federal funding to address local infrastructure needs.
“Bringing federal dollars home to my district is one of the most rewarding aspects of representing Long Island in Congress,” said Garbarino. “These grants will advance critical local infrastructure priorities designed to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity of our communities. I’m pleased that the Department of Transportation recognized the merit of these projects, and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition.”
These projects represent a significant step forward in enhancing Long Island’s transportation infrastructure, promoting safety, and creating opportunities for recreation and sustainable development. By eliminating hazardous grade crossings and advancing the Long Island Greenway, the grants will address immediate needs while supporting long-term economic and environmental goals.
