HIA-LI Industry Expert Panel Details Hauppauge Industrial Park Infrastructure Project Updates; Transformation Underway with "Almost Miraculous" Accomplishments and More Work to Come

    HAUPPAUGE, NY, May 06, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On Friday, April 29, leaders from Long Island government agencies, industrial planning organizations, and construction firms, organized and hosted by HIA-LI, the recognized voice for business on Long Island, gathered for an Executive Breakfast Panel discussion at IBEW Local 25 to provide an update on the progress of the collaborative effort to improve the area in and around the Hauppauge Industrial Park ("the Park"). Attendees were provided detailed descriptions of Park studies and the current status of a variety of projects designed to update and upgrade critical infrastructures - sewers, transportation and energy - necessary to run the Park which is one of the largest industrial parks in the nation and a significant driver of economic recovery and growth for Long Island. More information about HIA-LI is available from http://www.hia-li.org

"It's good business sense that if you have something that creates more jobs, you have to reinvest," said Jack Kulka, CEO Kulka Construction and HIA-LI Board Member. "The Park represents future economic growth for generations to come."

New York State Senator John Flanagan and Suffolk County Legislator John Kennedy opened the meeting and both addressed the importance of ongoing infrastructure development and their commitment to ensure state and local government support to help small and medium-sized businesses succeed.

In addition to the Senator and County Legislator, panelists included Frank DeRubeis, Planning and Community Development Director, Smithtown; Bruce Germano, VP Customer Services, LIPA; Joe Pecora, Division Manager, Traffic Department, Nelson & Pope, LLP; Ben Wright, Chief Engineer, Sanitation Engineer, Suffolk County Department of Public Works; Peter Brindley, Posillico Group Area Manager and moderator Jack Kulka.

"HIA-LI is proud to have a part in obtaining funding, organizing and directing some of the efforts that have led to the studies and changes underway in the Park infrastructure," said Terri Alessi-Miceli, president of HA-LI. "This is a critical undertaking which is helping to engineer the future of the Park and improve the Long Island economy."

Progress in the Park
According to Town of Smithtown's DeRubeis, development within the park is constrained by multiple factors which include sewer capacity and wastewater treatment, traffic and access issues, zoning laws and available land. The largest factor among these is the limitations of the existing sewer facility. It is currently operating near capacity (500K gallons/day) while servicing only half the wastewater needs of the park.

Construction of a new sewerage and wastewater plant is now underway, and Brindley noted that the project is significant for many reasons including its positive impact on the environment and ability to decrease groundwater pollutants.

Brindley and Wright provided details on the project, which involves laying nine miles of high-capacity pipe, building a new wastewater treatment facility behind the Sheraton on Motor Parkway capable of processing 1.65 million gallons per day, converting an existing treatment plant to a pump station and building two new pump stations. The new system will remove 250 properties from septic systems, helping to drive growth and increase revenues in the area.

Transportation was another issue noted in a comprehensive plan conducted by town of Smithtown. Traffic has been an issue in the Park for decades; so much so that a black-out induced traffic jam was a major factor in the creation of the HIA-LI. With the help of U.S. Congressman Steve Israel, a $600,000 grant was secured to develop a study to identify transportation infrastructure needs and solutions to issues. With this federal funding, Nelson & Pope LLC, undertook a 1.5 year analysis.

The study provides a picture of traffic activity in the Park and a blueprint for future improvements. Of the suggestions made by the study, the first to be implemented include projects on Moreland Road, at the Austin & Commerce intersection, at New Highway & Adams, and Old Willets Path. Additional improvements will be undertaken as funding is secured.

Bruce Germano detailed the LIPA Smart Meter initiative that will be introduced in the park which will allow users real-time access to their energy consumption data so they can make immediate decisions as to how to manage their usage. He noted that LIPA was able to do this in part through a $700,000 federal grant that was procured with the assistance of U.S. Congressman Steve Israel.

Remarking on the almost unprecedented example of cooperation and communication among the organizations involved, Kulka, noted, "It's almost miraculous, some of the things happening in the Park. One thing to get out of the meeting is recognition of the amazing amount of planning, coordination and commitment among all involved - government, industrial planners and the staff and volunteers at HIA-LI."

About HIA-LI
HIA-LI helps Long Island businesses prosper. For over 30 years, we have been the recognized voice for business on Long Island and a powerful force and economic engine for regional development. We provide a forum for business leaders to network, problem solve and obtain advice on critical issues facing their businesses. Our member companies represent tens of thousands of business professionals. We're headquartered in and support one of the largest industrial parks in the United States. HIA-LI programs and events promote strategic partnerships, targeted networking, and information sharing and business advocacy. Members benefit from our committees, educational programs, career resources, research capabilities, mentoring opportunities and business advisory services. For more information, visit http://www.hia-li.org or call 631-543-5355.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Arthur Germain, Communication Strategy Group, 631-239-6335, [email protected]

HIA-LI CONTACT:
Terri Alessi-Miceli, HIA-LI, 631-543-5355, [email protected]

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