$8M State Grant Advances Stump Pond Dam Rebuild In Blydenburgh Park

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Suffolk County has been awarded an $8 million grant from New York State to help restore Stump Pond in Blydenburgh County Park, advancing the county's plan to rebuild the dam that failed during a devastating storm in 2024, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said.

The funding supports the replacement of the Stump Pond Dam, which collapsed during the heavy rainfall of Aug. 18-19, 2024, draining the historic 118-acre pond and transforming the area into a free-flowing section of the Nissequogue River.

The dam's future has been the subject of a years-long debate. Environmental organizations have argued that the river has experienced significant ecological recovery since the breach and have urged the county to preserve the free-flowing river. County officials, however, have maintained that rebuilding the dam is necessary to restore recreation, improve flood protection, and preserve the park's historic character.

"Thank you to all the residents that kept up the pressure and spoke in favor of rebuilding the dam," Romaine said. "This has truly been a community-led process, and this grant from New York State shows just how impactful your voices have been."

According to the county, the replacement dam is being designed to withstand higher rainfall levels than the original structure and will meet a higher safety classification.

County officials said restoring the dam will allow recreational activities such as fishing and boating to return to Stump Pond.

The grant marks a significant milestone for the project, which still requires additional permitting before construction can begin.