By Ed Romaine
I recently had the chance to voice our region’s concerns to the State Senate minority delegation. And believe me, between the unfunded mandates from Albany, rising health care and pension costs, and a lack of state funding, there are many actionable steps Albany can take.
I was happy, though, to showcase the progress we made both last year and in my first term. It’s that progress that contributes to my vision of a safer and more affordable Suffolk County — a blueprint for other leaders around the state.
Bond rating upgrades. The clearest reflection of the positive budgeting changes implemented in Suffolk is our rising bond rating by both Fitch Ratings and S&P. Both currently rate the county at AA– and have raised the ratings on outstanding bonds. Similarly, both agencies give Suffolk a positive outlook going forward. Backing up this assessment are the county’s large reserve funds, conservative budgeting practices and estimation, and our sizable tax base.
Infrastructure. Suffolk County maintains 1,150 lane miles of highways, 110 bridges (including 39 state bridges’ wearing surfaces), 194 culverts, 57 spillways, 31 bulkheads and four movable bridges, has oversight over 80 priority navigational channels and manages roughly 650 traffic signals. Our work includes permitting and regulatory compliance required by various state and federal agencies to ensure that transportation remains safe.
Our Department of Public Works worked with regulators last year, when the aging Smith Point Bridge was temporarily reduced to a three-ton weight limit by the state DOT. Working with the state, we were able to keep one lane open at 15 tons, allowing emergency vehicles to access the beach.
Through executive action, I have fast-tracked the retrofitting of the bridge and the construction of a new one. A new Smith Point Bridge was to be completed in 2024. Unfortunately, my predecessor, Steve Bellone, did not initiate that project. Delaying maintenance only increases costs, as seen by the need to retrofit the current bridge.
Sewering. Thanks to voters who passed the referendum authorized by the Suffolk County Clean Water Act, the county now has the revenue stream needed to support many of the ambitious sewer projects that are underway. Voters in Oakdale and Great River approved the Great River Sewer Expansion, with 89 percent of the vote. This project will connect 400 homes to the Southwest Sewer District, with the cost covered by state and federal grants.
Earlier in the year, the Forge River Sewer Treatment Plant connected nearly 2,000 homes and businesses in the Forge River watershed to the district. Both have ambitious wastewater projects underway that serve the dual purpose of economic development and removing nitrogen from our surface and groundwater.
Social services. How many harrowing stories have we heard on the nightly news of children trafficked, abused or worse in our county? Too many. My office has spearheaded Operation Safe and Lasting Return to facilitate a multi-agency effort to locate and return trafficked children and adolescents. By examining the worst cases, we have identified major gaps in communication among departments, law enforcement and nonprofits, and have remedied those deficiencies with new technology and processes.
We unveiled these changes at our annual child protection conference, which was attended by hundreds of social workers, law enforcement officers and educators.
When it comes to administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, we have increased the portion of applications fulfilled in a timely manner to 95.5 percent, from 59 percent in January 2024. We did so without any budgetary changes.
Together, through common-sense policies, we can continue to increase the delivery of basic government services without straining our finances.
Public safety. These past two years, I have increased the number of police officers and detectives in the county Police Department to keep our communities safe. Working with the Legislature, I passed laws to stop illegal street takeovers, prevent the sale of illegal vaping products and protect our communities. Quality-of-life concerns are a major priority for my administration.
Many of these issues have real victims and consequences. For example, a street takeover earlier this year blocked emergency responders, delaying ambulance arrival to a critical call, putting lives at risk. Likewise, flavored vape products are actively marketed to children, increasing health risks among youth in our community.
Together with our partners in government and community leaders, I remain committed to making Suffolk safer and more affordable. Thank you for your continued support.
Ed Romaine is the Suffolk County executive.
