State Grant A Boon To Riverside Maritime Trail Project: Supe

RIVERSIDE NY — Christmas came early this month in Southampton: The town was awarded a hefty grant to help two major projects move forward.

Through New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council’s initiative, Southampton Town was awarded close to $800,000 to help fund the initiatives, town officials said.

A total of $387,484 will be dedicated to helping the town proceed with design plans and construction funding for the Riverside Maritime Trail Park along the Peconic River, a release from Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman's office said.

The park, he said, will improve access to the Riverfront with walking trails, and the project will advance the town’s coastal resources and water protection plan by improving waterfront access, removing invasive species and vegetation, protecting natural resources and supporting downtown revitalization.

“The grant could not come at a more perfect time, as we are ready to issue RFPs for design plans for Riverside Park after months of planning with the community,” Schneiderman said.

In addition, the town will also receive $410,000 for the Alewife Creek Culvert right sizing project, town officials said.

The culvert is located under Noyac Road at North Sea Road, and the aim is to restore proper water flow through Alewife Creek.

The work will allow for the passage of additional water during storm events and as sea level rises and allow for the migration of alewives, a fish species important to the local economy, the supervisor added.

“We are happy that we were awarded the grant and we look forward to the road ahead,” said Southampton Town Highway Superintendent Alex Gregor.

Patch file photo by Lisa Finn.