Environment
State expands septic grant program, increases funding for Suffolk County
New York State is increasing funding for grants that Suffolk County residents can use to replace outdated septic and cesspool systems with newer, advanced systems that reduce the contaminants wastewater releases into the environment.
Editorial
Vote yes on Proposition Two: Funding for modern septic systems is essential in Suffolk
Prop Two authorizes a 1/8-cent sales tax to provide revenue for the Water Quality Improvement Program. It will help hundreds of thousands of Suffolk homeowners upgrade their outdated septic systems and deserves our support.
Environment
1/8% sales tax hike will be put to voters in November general election
Suffolk County voters will be asked to approve a ballot measure in November to authorize a ⅛-cent county sales tax hike for funding wastewater infrastructure aimed at reducing nitrogen pollution in waterways and groundwater.
Environment
Governor signs change to law authorizing Suffolk sales tax hike, teeing up November vote
An amendment to the law that allows Suffolk County to increase its sales tax rate by 1/8 of a cent to finance the installation of sewers and advanced septic systems was signed into law today by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Environment
County officials announce deal on 1/8% sales tax hike to fund septic systems and sewer expansion
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine on Monday announced county lawmakers' agreement to increase county sales tax by 1/8-cent to fund sewage treatment facilities and advanced septic systems.
Environment
Republican county legislators block November referendum on 1/8% sales tax hike to fund advanced septic systems and sewer expansion
Republican legislators voiced numerous reasons for their opposition to moving forward with the news 1/% sales tax, with the strongest objections centered on what they called an unfair allocation of the new tax revenues to sewers versus advanced septic systems.
Environment
Taking aim at nitrogen, state lawmakers advance Suffolk sales tax hike to fund water quality projects
State legislators passed budget resolutions last week that would establish a countywide wastewater management district in Suffolk and authorize a 1/8% county sales tax to fund water quality improvement projects to reduce nitrogen discharges to groundwater from septic systems.
Environment
New water quality fund and 1/8-cent sales tax hike eyed to address nitrogen pollution in Suffolk
An extension of the Drinking Water Protection Program to 2060, with a 1/8-penny sales tax increase would provide $3.1 billion to reduce nitrogen pollution by funding replacement of conventional cesspools/septic systems with advanced onsite treatment systems.
Government
IRS reverses its prior ruling that septic improvement grants to homeowners are taxable income
The IRS has reversed its 2020 ruling that Suffolk's Septic Improvement Program grants were gross income for federal tax purposes. The new ruling will boost the installation of nitrogen-reducing septic systems, helping to protect local waterways and marine life.
Government
Federal infrastructure funding of $2.25 million will help L.I. homeowners install nitrogen-reducing septic systems, Hochul announces
The funding will provide financial assistance to homeowners for the replacement of cesspools with advanced septic systems that remove nitrogen from household septic wastes.
