Assemblyman Philip Ramos (D-Central Islip) announced Governor Paterson has notified Suffolk County and Islip town as to the federal stimulus funding both can expect to receive from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) from the U.S. Energy Department.

“These federal grants are a win-win for Islip because it will help put people to work and save local taxpayer dollars,” said Assemblyman Ramos. “Bringing the necessary funds to improve our roads and bridges and allow us to continue investing in energy efficiency programs puts us on a stronger path to getting out of this economic downturn.”

Ramos noted the governor said Long Island will receive $154 million from ARRA to assist localities in moving forward with vital infrastructure and transportation improvements while also creating thousands of jobs to area residents. Islip town is set to receive some of the $4.9 million awarded to three Suffolk towns to take preventative measures on its steel bridges to eliminate corrosion and rust.

Islip has also been awarded a $3 million grant from the Energy Department. Ramos explained all municipalities that win grants from the EECBG must submit detailed proposals of how they will use the funds. “Everyone talks about becoming more energy efficient but funds were lacking,” said Ramos. “This commitment from the federal government will allow Islip to make energy projects a reality. I also want to thank Governor Paterson for his hard work in distributing the federal stimulus money to ensure Long Island received its share.”