Babylon Town Supervisor Steven Bellone traveled to Washington, DC to meet with congressional leaders about procuring federal funding for several local projects. Wyandanch revitalization, Oak Beach Park waterfront improvements and emergency preparedness technology were the topics of discussion when Bellone sat down with United States Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton and Congressional members Steve Israel and Peter King.

"Town of Babylon residents are fortunate in that we have such an effective and caring delegation representing us in the nation’s capital," said Bellone. "The federal funding of these projects is a top priority for Senators Schumer and Clinton, as well as Congressmen Israel and King."

Oak Beach Park Waterfront Improvements: The Town of Babylon is continuing its development of Suffolk County’s newest park and Bellone made the case for a total of $8.2 million in federal funding to help with capital projects, storm water management and coastal restoration at Oak Beach Park.

Capital projects include site preparation and improvement of road access to the site. Of equal concern to Bellone is the need to minimize storm water runoff pollution through the use of low impact development techniques, such as interconnected recharge areas and native coastal vegetation. Coastal restoration of the site will be extensive, involving the protection of ecosystem resources and the improvement of park aesthetics.

Wyandanch Revitalization: Bellone is seeking a total of $9.7 million in federal funding for Wyandanch revitalization. The Town of Babylon is focused on two projects: implementing sewers in Wyandanch’s business district and creating a "Transit Village" at the Wyandanch Long Island Railroad Station.

Public sewers in the business district will help to attract new businesses to the area that were put off in the past because of the difficulty with the high water table. The transit village would include improved parking, lighting and landscaping and the development of retail and commercial space, all with the idea of improving the area for current LIRR users, as well as increasing transit rider ship.

Emergency Preparedness Technology: Bellone requested a total of $750,000 in federal funds for updated law enforcement technology and a Wide Area Network to improve public safety and emergency response communication. In addition, the development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) will help protect the safety of Babylon residents by providing a complete, specific and comprehensive picture of the entire town’s geographic area.

Bellone also met with Appropriation Committee staff while in Washington and expressed confidence about the town’s requests. "The support of our congressional delegation is the strongest seal of approval we could hope for," said Bellone.

Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone is pictured speaking with Congressman Peter King during his visit to Washington, DC to lobby for federal funds for Town of Babylon initiatives.