Riverhead receives $1.25 million in fed funding for public water extensions in Calverton

Riverhead Town will receive $1.25 million for public water extension projects in Calverton from the federal government.

The money will go towards Riverhead Water District extensions 95 and 96, which will bring public water access to 73 single-family homes and six industrial properties in the Calverton Hamlet currently serviced by private wells. Riverhead Water District Superintendent Frank Mancini has said those areas’ groundwater is contaminated by PFAS, a category of synthetic “forever chemicals” linked to negative health effects; 1,4-dioxane, a potential human carcinogen; and Freon, an industrially manufactured chemical.

The area’s proximity to the Enterprise Park at Calverton and the hydrogeography of the area also makes it one of the most likely areas affected by pollution that has migrated off of the former Northrop-Grumman plant. 

“The Town’s intent to fully address the important need to provide potable water to our residents has been repeatedly supported by our elected federal public officials at the behest of the entire Riverhead Town Board and with strong public support,” Supervisor Tim Hubbard said in a press release Monday issued by Rep. Nick LaLota announcing the award. “On behalf of the Riverhead Town Board, I am very appreciative of the continued support and efforts of our Congressional delegation, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Nick LaLota for advocating for the needs of Riverhead residents in order to secure the funds to address this important public safety issue.”

The town is receiving the money from the Environmental Protection Agency’s State and Tribal Assistance Grant drinking water fund, which was earmarked by Schumer, Gillibrant and LaLota in the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by the president on March 9.

The combined cost of the projects is estimated at roughly $12.1 million, according to town engineering reports. The news of the grant follows the town’s announcement in January that the town had received $5 million towards the extension projects through the state’s distribution of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Riverhead had originally requested $8,856,000 in federal funding for the project.

“I am thrilled to announce over $1 million in federal funding will be going to the Town of Riverhead. This funding will help the Town build upon the existing Public Water Main and ensure access to safe and clean drinking water,” LaLota said in a statement. “Infrastructure projects and improvements like this will only make our communities better and improve the lives of Long Island families. I will continue to work to ensure Suffolk County gets the highest return on our federal tax dollars as possible.”