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Overcast Legislator Josh Lafazan secures $1.8 million for Matinecock storm drain upgrades
In a significant development for the Village of Matinecock, Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan has secured $1.8 million in funding for infrastructure upgrades to address drainage and stormwater runoff issues around Thorne Lane. The money will come as much-needed relief for the community, which is grappling with the aftermath of treacherous conditions caused by heavy rainfall.
According to Lafazan, the urgency of the situation prompted Matinecock Mayor Kenneth Goodman to reach out to Lafazan two years ago, and the legislator paid a visit to assess the extent of the problem.
Afterward, Lafazan said, it became evident that the accumulation of water after storms posed serious hazards not only for homeowners on Thorne Lane, but also for motorists making their way through the area.
Residents of Matinecock and neighboring North Shore communities have long been troubled by flooding, prompting local officials to seek help. The situation has worsened over the years, with outdated and inadequate drainage infrastructure unable to cope with the increasing frequency of extreme weather, exacerbated by the effects of climate change.
“We’re having record amounts of rainfall — once-in-100-years storms happen every single year,” Lafazan said. “And so what’s happening is with these more frequent extreme weather patterns, our drainage infrastructure is not keeping up.”
Lafazan emphasized the need for immediate action, citing the potentially life-threatening consequences of inadequate drainage. Homeowners have faced the risk of being trapped in their residences, motorists have encountered perilous driving conditions, and first responders have struggled to navigate flooded areas. The new funding allocation was deemed crucial to implementing effective solutions and preventing further harm.
According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, annual precipitation has increased markedly around the world, and in the United States especially, in just the past decade. New York and the other northeastern states have been hit harder than any other region of the country, with an increase in heavy precipitation of over 70 percent from 1958 to 2010.
“Increasing precipitation through more frequent and intense rain events is impacting New York by increasing flooding throughout many parts of the state,” the department’s website reads. “Flooding from heavy precipitation can result in costly damage to homes, roads, bridges, and other important infrastructure.”
The infrastructure project, outlined in a recent county legislature news release, focuses on the design and construction of a new drainage pipe system. The intent is to replace the existing, outdated pipes with a more sophisticated and robust system capable of handling heavier rainfall. Collaboration between the county and the village is essential, given the uneven terrain characteristic of North Shore municipalities.
Lafazan underscored the significance of modernizing drainage infrastructure, especially in suburban areas with aging systems. The project aims to ensure the safety of residents and motorists, acknowledging that Long Island’s suburban housing boom in the mid-20th century left behind infrastructure in dire need of upgrades.
Lafazan also reiterated his commitment to safeguarding Long Island’s sole-source aquifer, emphasizing its critical role in providing reliable, safe drinking water.
The bipartisan support for the infrastructure funding underscores the shared challenges faced by legislators representing communities dealing with similar issues. The collaboration between Lafazan and his colleagues from other districts highlights a united effort to mitigate flooding and protect homeowners and roadways.
A timeline for when the village will receive the funds and begin work on the new pipes has not been finalized. Lafazan said he recognized the urgency of the situation, and the need for a swift response from the county.
“Here flooding becomes a life-or-death issue whether it’s for homeowners who are trapped in their homes, whether it’s for motorists who are passing through the area, or if it’s first responders answering a call,” he said. “Not having proper drainage can be devastating. It’s incredibly important that local government steps up and makes an impact here.”
