Schumer Calls On FAA To Expedite Approval For Part Of Mastic-Shirley Sewer Project
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York officials say they're waiting on the Federal Aviation Administration to move forward with Long Island's largest sewer project in 35 years.
"We want an answer now," said Sen. Charles Schumer.
Schumer is now pledging to help get application approval from the FAA so that construction can begin on time for a new wastewater treatment plant at Brookhaven Airport.
The plan is part of the county's proposed Mastic-Shirley sewer project.
Since the FAA provides funding to Brookhaven Airport, approval from the agency is required in order to transfer airport land to the Town of Brookhaven.
"Mastic-Shirley has waited far too long for its own sewer district, and we are moving towards making that dream a reality, but first the Town of Brookhaven and Suffolk County must get approval from the FAA to use this much-needed parcel of land at Brookhaven Airport for construction of a water treatment plant," Schumer said in a statement.
Environmental advocate Adrienne Esposito said more than 5,000 homes are waiting to be hooked up to sewers.
"The public needs and wants these sewers," she said.
The project has already been funded by federal Superstorm Sandy relief money.
So Schumer has this message for the FAA: "Tell the FAA they got to get the ball rolling."