Suffolk County Unveils 2011 Capital Budget

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy unveiled his 2011 capital budget and 2011-2013 capital program Thursday, a plan which he said balances government's need to contain taxes and debt service while at the same time investing wisely in jobs creation and economic development.

The 2011 proposed $191 million Capital Budget is $8 million less than the 2010 adopted capital budget; and the three-year $540 million proposal is nearly $50 million less.

"This budget makes a concerted effort to maintain our infrastructure while simultaneously enhancing our economy through downtown revitalization and transit-oriented development," said Levy in a statement. "These are investments that will improve the quality of life, enhance property values and strengthen our sales tax base."

New projects in the budget focus primarily on economic development, including an additional $4.5 million over the next three years for downtown renewal and beautification, $4 million in planning funds for "Transit-Oriented" developments and additional funding for business incubators in economically distressed areas, the county said in a statement.

"Transit-oriented development focuses on mixed uses, promoting walk-able with street-level retail shops, apartments above the shops and pedestrian access to mass transit," said Levy.

Levy specifically noted this development will be present in Ronkonkoma.

"This type of design revitalizes a downtown area by bring residents back onto Main Street to live and shop, brings sales tax revenue back into the local coffers and provides conveniently located jobs," Levy said.

Infrastructure emphasis will continue in the Capital Program with projects including:

• Montauk Highway (CR 80) in Mastic
• Portion Road (CR 16) in Farmingville-Ronkonkoma
• Motor Parkway-LIE Bridge in Hauppauge
• Bay Shore Road (CR 57)
• Pinelawn Road (CR 3) in Melville
• $20 million in additional road resurfacing work
• More than $60 million in sewer district upgrades and enhancements