Presiding Officer McCaffrey Calls Prop 2 Passage "Proud Moment"

Statement regarding the Passage of Proposition 2 Voters Support Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act Presiding Officer: “A Proud Moment for the Legislature and the County”

HAUPPAUGE – Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey thanked the voters of Suffolk County for overwhelmingly approving Proposition 2 in favor of the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act.

The ballot measure was approved by a vote of 489,720 to 194,461, or 71.58% to 28.42%, according to unofficial election night tallies from the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

“With Prop 2’s overwhelming approval, Suffolk County can now embark on a long-term plan to expand and upgrade Suffolk’s aging wastewater infrastructure and establish a new, stable, and long-term funding source for wastewater improvement projects,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey. “This is a proud moment for the Legislature and the County.”

“Throughout this legislative process, I quoted an adage declaring ‘these waterways, bays and streams are not ours - they are borrowed from our children and grandchildren.’ The plan extends the current 1/4 % sales tax which funds water quality initiatives and open space acquisitions and adds an 1/8 % to protect our bodies of water and the water that we drink. The additional twelve cents on each $100 purchase is a small price to pay for cleaner water for generations to come.”

“As I noted prior to the vote, a yes vote on Proposition 2 meant less pollution, improved water quality, continued open space acquisitions and an increase in solid, local jobs,” said McCaffrey.”

“A yes vote was good science, good economics, and good sense.  For my children and grandchildren, I’m thankful that Suffolk residents agreed.”