EAST NORTHPORT, NY – July 8, 2026
Town officials gathered on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 to announce a significant boost for local infrastructure: $3.5 million in federal funding secured by Congressman Nick LaLota for road repaving projects. The funds, part of the fiscal year 2026 budget, are expected to provide a substantial supplement to the town’s annual paving efforts.
Town Supervisor Ed Smyth hosted the press conference, emphasizing the importance of maintaining local infrastructure. “There are four issues that I stay focused on: parks, beaches, roads and garbage,” Smyth stated. “Those are the four pillars of good government in Huntington. Roads being the number one thing that everybody in the town drives on every single day.”
Smyth praised the work of Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino and his department, noting their dedication has resulted in smoother, safer roads for residents. “The roads in this town have never been better, and that is entirely due to Andre Sorrentino and the much needed funding that we get from our friends at the federal government, like Nick LaLota,” he said. He estimated that close to 85 percent of town roads have been repaved over the last five or six years.
A Major Boost to the Paving Budget
Congressman LaLota presented the funding as returning taxpayer money to the community to improve quality of life. “Today I brought with me three point five million tax dollars. It’s your money; it’s not my money; it’s your money. I’m merely bringing it back to the town of Huntington here,” LaLota said.
The $3.5 million grant represents a nearly 40 percent increase over the Highway Department’s typical annual paving budget of about $9.5 million. LaLota highlighted that this infusion of federal dollars not only helps improve road quality but also promotes fiscal responsibility.
As per Andre Sorrentino, every mile of paved road currently costs $250,000 to complete.
“That’s less taxes they have to raise. That’s more responsible budgeting,” he explained, commending Huntington’s officials for their fiscal management. The funds are expected to arrive by October 2026 and will be reflected in projects starting in 2027.
A Team Effort Across Government
Speakers at the event stressed the collaborative nature of securing the funding. State Senator Mario Mattera thanked LaLota for his consistent efforts to bring federal dollars back to Long Island. “He knows what people want and you know what? People do not want potholes,” Mattera said. “Our congressman made sure of this. He made sure he brought three point five million dollars back home, so our highway superintendent could do his job.”
Mattera also touched upon the broader economic impact, noting the funding supports “good union paying jobs” for workers who will pave the roads.
Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino expressed his gratitude for the funding and the trust placed in his department. “It doesn’t work without a team,” Sorrentino said, before joking, “There’s no ‘i’ in team, but there is in paving.”
Debate Over Funding Formulas and Earmarks
The press conference also included a discussion on state and federal funding mechanisms. When asked about the state’s CHIPS program for municipalities, Senator Mattera argued that Long Island does not receive its fair share of state funding compared to New York City. “Everything is going to New York City,” he said. “We deserve better.”
Congressman LaLota defended the use of congressional earmarks, which were used to secure the paving grant, against criticism of “pork-barrel spending.” “I make no apologies for exercising my discretion over my district’s dollars,” LaLota stated. He argued it is more efficient for a locally elected representative, in conjunction with local officials, to direct funds than an uninvolved “bureaucrat in D.C.”
The event concluded with Supervisor Smyth once again thanking all government partners, including Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempo who was represented by her staff, for their role in supporting the town.
Photography by Diane Schaber. Videography by June Margolin.
