Hauppauge, NY - October 8, 2013 -Today, County Executive Steve Bellone announced the Suffolk County Legislature’s approval to allow the Suffolk County Department of Parks to accept a $125,000 grant from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York to construct improved access points for canoe and kayak launching access in Suffolk County.  This grant is funded by the Community Enhancement Facilities Assistance Program (CEFAP) and will allow the Parks Department to improve and enhance accessibility for canoe and kayak enthusiasts at ten County launching parkland sites.

“This grant will allow Suffolk County to offer a greater and more diverse selection of canoe and kayak opportunities for parkland visitors,” said County Executive Bellone.  “The planned projects and improvements will help to promote this sport by providing safer and more accommodating access sites.

The proposed projects at each location are unique to site characteristics and current usage and vary from signage and fencing to formalizing access and parking areas.  The proposed launching improvements are planned for the following locations:

•           Indian Island County Park – Riverhead

•           Meschutt Beach County Park – Hampton Bays

•           Southaven County Park – Brookaven

•           Green’s Creek County Park – West Sayville

•           Peconic Dunes County Park & Goldsmith Inlet County Park – Peconic

•           Blydenburgh County Park – Smithtown

•           Miller’s Pond  County Park – Smithtown

•           Timber Point County Park – Great River

•           Cedar Point County Park – East Hampton

•           Lake Ronkonkoma County Park – Lake Ronkonkoma

Once legislation is signed, the grant application will be reviewed and processed by County and State officials before award money is issued.  Construction and Improvements are expected to be completed in 2014.