On Monday, Suffolk County officials expressed concerns that the state Department of Transportation might miss an opportunity to finalize a $10 deal aimed at electrifying the busiest Long Island Rail Road line.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romain highlighted the dual benefits the project could bring: improved commute times and a cleaner environment. He raised the issue during discussions about the ongoing acquisition between Suffolk and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
The urgency is palpable, as officials stated the contract could become invalid if the DOT doesn’t register by June 30.
“This should have already been completed; this entire line ought to be electric,” Romain remarked, emphasizing the importance of the land deal, which he believes is unprecedented for the MTA in terms of value. But he noted, rather skeptically, that financial accountability seemed lacking.
Romain indicated that the agency is prepared to progress with the initiative, yet details regarding the overall cost remain unspecified.
The nearly 50-acre parcel, previously part of the Lawrence Air Superfund Site, is managed by Suffolk County’s Land Bank.
Last year, Land Bank officials proposed selling the land to the MTA for just $10 to facilitate the necessary infrastructural changes, which would electrify the currently diesel-operated two-story train running along the Port Jefferson Line—often cited as the most frequented route on the LIRR.
However, the state DOT has been hesitant to greenlight the project, citing the need to finalize easement details and explore other property options, according to officials from Suffolk County.
Stephen Canzoneri, a DOT spokesperson for Long Island, confirmed that the agency is indeed working on providing the necessary easements but mentioned that the process could take several months.
Interestingly, state Senator Rebecca Kasei, a Democrat, even offered to personally cover the $10 fee to expedite the sale, only to be informed that the state would still not approve it.
Romain has appealed to Governor Kathy Hochul to take action, suggesting that the delay contradicts Hochul’s environmental goals.
“Governor Hochul supports efforts for significant transportation advancements in the region and aims to collaborate with all parties to tackle the land use challenges that could impact this project,” he added.
The MTA has not yet responded to inquiries for comments on the situation.
