The Oyster Bay Town Board has taken one more step toward eliminating the persistent flooding problem that has plagued Alhambra Rd. in Massapequa by authorizing Supervisor John Venditto to enter into an agreement to secure federal and state construction funding, according to Oyster Bay Town Councilman Angelo A. Delligatti.

"The Town has received approval through the federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) for funding for the construction phase of the Alhambra Rd. project," Delligatti stated. "The project is currently in the design phase, and the New York State Department of Transportation has requested that the Town enter into an agreement in order to secure the federal and State funding."

Estimated construction cost is $3,500,000, according to Delligatti. The federal share is 80 percent, or $2,800,000, and the local share is 20 percent, or $700,000. Of that local share, the State will contribute $225,000 in "Marchiselli" funding, bringing the Town share to $475,000.

In addition to the federal and State funds for construction, the Town received $250,000 for the design phase through the State's Multi-Modal Transportation program with the help of the late State Senator Norman J. Levy, and Assemblyman Steven L. Labriola.

The Town is now in the final stage of the design phase, according to Delligatti. The project will entail raising a portion of Alhambra Rd., which runs south from Merrick Rd. to Seacrest Place. The entire length of the road will be totally reconstructed, with the road being gradually elevated as it gets closer to the canal. Adjoining properties will be graded back to the houses, and drainage systems will be installed. Tidal check valves will be installed under the road. Sidewalks will be replaced as needed and there will be new curbs, aprons and handicapped ramps along the entire stretch. The project will also include raising Park Lane Place, which parallels Alhambra Rd.

Delligatti said the recent grant agreement will move the project along. "Securing the federal and State funding is an important step toward the reconstruction of Alhambra Rd. and Park Lane Place." Project engineers estimate that the design phase could be approved early next year by the New York State Department of Transportation, paving the way for the actual construction of the improved roadways.

"I will continue to monitor the progress of this project and keep residents informed," Delligatti said. "As always, residents will have an opportunity to meet with the engineers just prior to the start of construction, and I will be sure to get the word out when the meeting is scheduled."