News Flash • Southampton Town Awarded $19 Million for Rivers

Federal Funds to Help Water Quality & Sustainable Development

Southampton Town’s plan for a revitalized Riverside has reached a critical funding milestone as Supervisor Maria Moore announced today the award of a $19 million federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act grant for the construction of a new wastewater collection system and treatment system in the hamlet of Riverside. The funding was approved on October 30, 2025 by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) as part of a statewide $135 million initiative to support critical water infrastructure projects.

Supervisor Moore expressed gratitude for the State’s partnership in delivering this transformative investment. “This award from EFC will allow the Town to proceed with this critical infrastructure project that will enhance water quality by removing thousands of pounds of nitrogen from our waterways each year and will aid in revitalizing the Riverside community,” said Supervisor Moore. “We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and the Environmental Facilities Corporation for their continued support and commitment to safeguarding Long Island’s sole source aquifer, the Peconic Estuary, and other vital water bodies.”

The EFC award builds upon the $5 million grant that was awarded to the Town last month through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Grants program. Through the co-sponsorship of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the funding was approved by Congress as one of 715 water infrastructure projects totaling $1.47 billion under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.

The Riverside Wastewater Treatment System Project represents a major step forward in the Town’s long-term strategy to improve water quality, promote sustainable development, and revitalize one of its most economically challenged hamlets. The new system will replace outdated and insufficient septic infrastructure with a modern, environmentally sound treatment facility designed to protect groundwater and surface waters throughout the Peconic Bay system.

Supervisor Moore commended the Town’s Department of Land Management, led by Planning and Development Administrator Janice Scherer, for its dedication in identifying and pursuing federal, state and local funding opportunities for this project. “Janice Scherer and her team have been relentless in their pursuit of funding for this initiative,” Supervisor Moore said. “Their diligence and expertise have been instrumental in positioning Southampton to receive this historic level of investment.”

The Supervisor also recognized the Southampton Town Board for its continued support and leadership in advancing the project. “This project has been a true team effort,” Moore added. “The Town Board’s consistent commitment to improving water quality and infrastructure has laid the groundwork for this success.” 

 The Riverside wastewater project aligns with New York State’s broader clean water infrastructure goals under Governor Hochul’s leadership, which include leveraging federal IIJA funding to strengthen local economies, reduce nitrogen pollution, and ensure clean, safe water for future generations.

For more information about the proposed plan as well as the town’s other water quality initiatives, please visit www.southamptontownny.gov.