Funds secured for Forge River sewer project

Suffolk County officials are expected Friday to announce they have secured $266,000 to expand the boundaries of the proposed Mastic/Shirley sewer district.

Legis. Kate Browning (WF-Shirley) sponsored a resolution that was approved earlier this week to expand the scope of the sewer district proposal.

The original sewer boundaries of the Forge River were from Montauk Highway at William Floyd Parkway, heading east toward Mastic Road, which consists mainly of businesses.

But the expansion would include residential properties in four watersheds areas: Wills Creek, Upper Forge West, West Mill Pond and Poospatuck.

The four watersheds have failing septic systems and are considered the largest contributors of nitrogen into the river, contributing to fish kill, county officials said.

The money is being funded through a county capital program.

Above: A view of the Forge River in Mastic. (Oct. 29, 2011)