Rep. Gillen Announces $1.1 Million in New Federal Funding for Freeport to Combat Nuisance Flooding; Tours Flood Sites with Local Leaders

FREEPORT, NY - Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) joined Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy to tour flood sites on the Nautical Mile and announce that she secured over $1.1 million in new federal Community Project Funding (CPF) through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. The new funding will help protect homes, businesses and roads in Freeport from flood damage and disasters and reduce reliance on federal funding for future natural disasters.

"In partnership with local leaders, I am proud to have secured nearly $1.1 million in new federal funding to help address the constant, costly flooding in Freeport and along the Nautical Mile," said Rep. Gillen. "This investment will help protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure from flooding while strengthening the community's long-term resilience against future disasters. I'm grateful to Mayor Kennedy for his collaboration in improving the lives of Freeport residents for years to come."

"Freeport residents are excited for the grant provided by Congresswoman Gillen and the installation of a pumping station on Miller Avenue and Richmond Street. The elimination of nuisance flooding in this area will prevent vehicle undercarriage corrosion for our residents' vehicles, commercial vehicles, Police vehicles, and Fire Department apparatus. These new pumping stations have been installed in other waterfront areas in Freeport and are 100% effective. The Freeport community wants to thank Congresswoman Gillen for bettering the 'quality of life' for our residents and protecting village emergency vehicles," said Freeport Mayor Robert T. Kennedy.

The federal funding will be used to construct five pump stations, which would pump the floodwater back into the waterways, and install tide check valves throughout Freeport to reduce flooding caused by high tides and stormwater. Freeport residents in the affected areas face a uniquely high risk of nuisance flooding, which has resulted in basement flooding, damage to lawns and underground water mains, saltwater losses of residential, commercial, and emergency vehicles, as well as periods when access roads become impassable until tides recede.

This project received calls for support from a group of leaders, including Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy, New York Assembly Member Judy Griffin, Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, and Assembly Member Noah Burroughs.

The funding for Freeport is part of more than $13 million in Community Project Funding that Rep. Gillen secured for Nassau County to invest in community infrastructure, enhance public safety, and improve the quality of life for residents across the district.

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