Six Long Island organizations will share $12.5 million in state support for projects involving disability services, food assistance, health care, firefighter communications and recreation. The governor's office announced the awards as nearly $13 million for community facilities.
The funding announcement includes $3 million for the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County's Roosevelt campus. Work includes a new roof, building-system upgrades and reopening Café Connections, which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Island Harvest Food Bank will receive $1.5 million for its Melville facility. Plans call for a demonstration kitchen, a bulk-product repacking room, community-room improvements and other upgrades supporting two new workforce-training programs and expanded nutrition education. President and CEO Randi Shubin Dresner said the investment will allow the organization's workforce institute to help three times as many people.
Long Island Select Healthcare will receive $3 million to repair aging infrastructure and modernize clinical equipment at its primary Central Islip location. The federally qualified health center serves more than 9,000 low-income and otherwise vulnerable patients annually, according to the state.
The Village of Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department will receive $1 million for radios. Officials said the department's existing equipment has limited functionality inside burning buildings, creating a safety concern.
Another $3 million will help rebuild the Deer Park High School Aquatic Center, which closed to the public because of serious deterioration after nearly 50 years of use. The project includes accessible lifts, upgraded stairs and accessible locker rooms. The pool serves students, local families and neighboring western Suffolk communities.
Bay Shore-Brightwaters Little League will receive $1 million for fencing, bleachers, fields and batting cages. League officials said the improvements will benefit the children and families using the facilities.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the investments are intended to help organizations maintain essential services and reach more residents.
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