Suffolk County lawmakers have approved a measure to begin planning and rebuilding the dam at Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown. It was destroyed during the catastrophic rainstorm last August.
The Legislature unanimously passed a measure to allocate $6.6 million to start plans to restore Stump Pond and rebuild the 60-foot dam. It’s not clear how much a full reconstruction will ultimately cost, but lawmakers said they plan to request state funding.
"This project represents a critical investment in our parks and infrastructure," Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said in a statement. "By acting now, we are ensuring our residents' safety and preserving one of our county's most cherished natural spaces."
When the dam collapsed during the August storm, the 100+-acre pond drained into the surrounding streets and flooded the Nissequogue River. Stump Pond was originally built over 200 years ago as part of a grist and sawmill.
Some environmentalists have been against rebuilding and said the area should be allowed to return to its natural state.
