Stony Brook, NY – Long awaited repairs to the Mill Pond Dam and Harbor Road are closer to fruition with a recent announcement by Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay confirming the inclusion of $6.5 million in the New York State Budget for the restoration and reconstruction of the Mill Pond Dam in Stony Brook village. The historic investment will support comprehensive efforts to revitalize one of the community's most cherished natural landmarks.

Of the $20 million in the New York State 2026-2027 budget secured by Assemblywoman Kassay and her colleagues “for services, expenses, and costs associated with resiliency projects located in Suffolk County,” a minimum of $6.5 million is earmarked for the Mill Pond dam and Harbor Road project. In conversations with Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, Governor Hochul had previously committed $2.75 of discretionary funding to the project. This additional $3.75 million of state funding commitment is the result of Assemblywoman Kassay’s advocacy to Assembly Speaker Heastie and Governor Hochul throughout the months-long state budget process.

This funding diminishes financial hurdles that could slow progress on efforts to rebuild. Nearing two years ago, a severe storm caused the Mill Pond Dam to fail, collapsing the eastern terminus of Harbor Road and releasing more than 11,000 cubic yards of water into Stony Brook Creek. The resulting damage drained the beloved pond, compromised the historic Stony Brook Grist Mill, and left Harbor Road’s connection to NY Route 25A impassable. As a critical corridor for local residents, emergency responders, and visitors traveling between Harbor Road, Stony Brook Road, and Route 25A, the prolonged closure has created substantial disruptions for the surrounding community and local economy.

A long-standing, intergenerational destination for families across Long Island and beyond, the Mill Pond, 273-year-old landmark Grist Mill owned and stewarded by the non-profit organization Ward Melville Heritage Organization, Avalon Nature Preserve, and nearby historic Stony Brook village have provided year-round opportunities for wildlife viewing, historical education, and shopping at unique small businesses for nearly a century. Since the dam failure, the loss of the pond and continued roadway closure have reportedly led to a significant decline in visitation to the area. Wildlife dependent on the pond’s ecosystem has been displaced, while local businesses in the historic village have faced ongoing economic hardship due to reduced foot traffic over the past year and a half.

Regarding the funding announcement, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay shared, “Since swearing in as this district’s representative in the New York State Assembly, I have been working to deliver resources that will assist with the restoration of the Mill Pond Dam, reopening of Harbor Road, and revitalization of the heart of historic Stony Brook village. I am proud to have secured at least $6.5 million in the State Budget for a project that is so deeply tied to the identity, history, and future of this community. I am grateful that Governor Hochul understands the critical nature of this project and has supported the increase of New York State’s commitment by at least $3.75 million, offsetting local cost share and moving dam reconstruction forward. The strength of my advocacy in Albany is rooted in my passion for this critical local issue, as well as my coordination with Brookhaven Town representatives, who have taken the lead in advancing this effort. I will continue to work alongside Supervisor Panico, Councilmember Kornreich, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, local officials, and the countless community advocates whose commitment and collaboration are necessary to further this reconstruction. Together, we are restoring a cornerstone of our community’s natural and historic heritage, not just for our neighbors today, but for generations to come.”

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico shared, “We are grateful to the Assemblywoman and the State of New York for this much needed commitment of funds on behalf of the residents of the Town of Brookhaven, namely those in Stony Brook. While the WMHO works through their plans which will eventually be turned over to the Town of Brookhaven for build out, knowing that we have such a financial commitment from our state, and federal partners, is deeply appreciated and reassuring to all who want to see this pond restored.”

Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich shared, “I want to thank Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay for tirelessly advocating for our community and helping secure an additional $3.75 million in state funding for the Harbor Road and Mill Pond restoration project. This is a very substantial commitment of state resources, especially for a project that involves complicated engineering, permitting, and coordination among multiple levels of government. Assemblywoman Kassay has not been in office very long, but she has already shown that she is willing and able to fight hard for our community. Combined with Governor Hochul’s earlier $2.75 million commitment, this additional funding significantly strengthens the path forward for restoring Harbor Road, the Mill Pond, and the surrounding historic area. I also appreciate Supervisor Dan Panico’s continued leadership as the Town works with WMHO, state officials, and federal partners to keep this project moving forward. There is still important engineering and regulatory work ahead, and no one should pretend this project is simple. But after a long and frustrating process, we are finally seeing real momentum, real coordination, and real investment in rebuilding a place that means so much to our community.”

Reflecting on the news, Ward Melville Heritage Organization President Gloria Rocchio said, “What Rebecca has accomplished is extraordinary. As a new assemblywoman to secure these funds is unbelievable. We thank her very much and look forward to working with her on this project. If we all work together as a team, we can complete the project as quickly as possible for the community.”

Three Village Civic President Peter St. Germaine stated, “Assemblywoman Kassay fought hard to secure this funding for the Mill Pond, which is the biggest sign of progress yet in a project that has frustrated the Three Villages for almost two years. We appreciate her dedication to the community and determination to see this project through.”

“The Three Village Chamber of Commerce would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Rebecca Kassay for her strong advocacy and leadership in bringing these essential resources to our community.” said Carmine Inserra, President of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce. “This investment will not only help restore our local infrastructure and natural beauty after the disaster, but will also protect and enhance this historic site for future generations. We are grateful for the continued commitment and support of all our local elected officials and local entities to keep this project moving forward.Without the persistent effort and coordination of Assemblywoman Kassay, Supervisor Panico, Councilmember Kornreich and the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, it simply wouldn’t be possible. The entire Three Village community looks forward to the positive impact this funding will have on our businesses, residents, and visitors.”

The $6.5 million contribution from the State of New York joins the previously secured $2.5 million of federal funding, which both effectively reduce district taxpayer burden by significantly offsetting the local municipal cost share of these repairs. Additionally, WMHO has invested resources toward engineering and design costs with engineering studies that have been completed and construction plans currently underway. For the latest progress on the restoration, please visit their Web site. For more information, please call Assemblywoman Kassay’s office at 631-751-3094.