$6.1M In Federal Funds To Support Smithtown Roads, Clean Water Access

SMITHTOWN, NY — Smithtown will receive $6.1 million in federal funding to support road restoration and expand public water service to homes affected by PFAS contamination in private wells, town officials said.

Congressman Nick LaLota joined Smithtown Supervisor Edward Wehrheim, town officials, department leaders and residents at the Town of Smithtown Highway Department and later at the Peter Nowick Sr. Memorial Park on Landing Avenue on Friday to make the announcement.

“When Congressman LaLota first took office, he promised to bring home the bacon,” Wehrheim said. “Today, he has once again proven that he is a man of his word. For the Town of Smithtown, this funding is more than helpful — it is a saving grace.”

$5 million in federal HUD funding secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process will be used to resurface and restore deteriorating roadways throughout Smithtown, according to town officials.

$1.1 million in federal funding will be used to extend municipal water service to 26 single-family homes whose private wells, identified by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services as containing PFAS — long-lasting chemicals that can contaminate drinking water, according to environmental officials.

Together, the funding awards represent a major investment in Smithtown’s infrastructure, public health, roadway safety and taxpayer relief, officials said.

“The cost of repairing roads, drainage, and public infrastructure is higher than ever,” Wehrheim said. “Materials are up, labor is up, equipment is up — basically everything is up except anyone’s patience for potholes.”

The $5 million road funding will support resurfacing and restoration work on deteriorating roads across the town. Priority repair areas include Brooksite Drive, Old Willets Path and Plymouth Boulevard, along with other roads and infrastructure needs identified by town officials and the Smithtown Highway Department.

Town officials said the funding comes as municipalities continue to face rising costs for asphalt, concrete, fuel, equipment, parts, labor, drainage repairs and storm-related restoration work.

Winter weather caused significant damage to roads, storm drains and related infrastructure, increasing the urgency of restoration projects across Smithtown, officials said.

“We do everything we can to budget responsibly and protect taxpayers, but the truth is, Mother Nature gave us a real beating this winter, and the work left behind is more than any small municipality should be expected to carry alone,” Wehrheim said. “That is why this federal funding matters. It allows us to move forward with critical infrastructure improvements, protect neighborhoods, improve safety, and get the work done without putting the full burden on Smithtown families.”

The $1.1 million water infrastructure award will help extend municipal water service to homes affected by PFAS contamination in private wells.

In 2019, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services conducted inspections and surveys of private drinking water wells along Landing Avenue, Oakside Drive and Valley Road in Smithtown, town officials said. At the time, officials believed there were 29 private wells in the area.

As the process continued, officials determined that a water main extension would be needed to connect 26 homes along Oakside Drive and Landing Avenue to safe public drinking water.

“For us homeowners here, this project is not just about infrastructure,” said John Vigliante, a homeowner impacted by contaminated private wells. “It is about peace of mind. It is about protecting our family’s health and the assurance in knowing that when we turn on the tap, the water we are drinking is safe.”

Town officials said that without federal funding, the cost of converting from private wells to public water could have fallen directly on homeowners, potentially amounting to tens of thousands of dollars per household.

“Without this federal funding, these homeowners could have been forced to shoulder an overwhelming financial burden for a public health issue they did not create,” Wehrheim said. “Because of Congressman LaLota’s leadership and advocacy, that burden is being lifted. This funding will help ensure that these Smithtown residents receive the safe public water service they need without facing a crushing financial hardship.”

The Town of Smithtown also recognized its grant committee, town leadership and department staff for their work identifying, preparing and advancing funding applications.

“These are exactly the kinds of investments that make a real difference in people’s lives,” Wehrheim said. “Safe roads, reliable infrastructure, and clean drinking water are not luxuries. They are basic necessities. Thanks to Congressman LaLota, Smithtown is receiving critical support to meet those responsibilities without placing the full cost on our residents.”