Mangano Attempts To Jump-Starts County Projects

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano has modified the 2010 capital plan so that crucial projects can be done timely and people can be put to work sooner. The reallocations do not reflect any monetary increase in the 2010 capital plan.

"Millions of dollars in funds will be reallocated based on the county's needs," Mangano said. "Many of these projects cannot wait another year to begin. Despite the county facing tough financial times, my administration has found a way to get this work done."

Among the projects that will be funded include:

• More than $5 million will go toward a county-wide green energy initiative as part of the action;
• $500,000 in improvements will be made to the Nassau County Correctional Facility;
• More than $5 million will be spent on a variety of building repairs and road improvements under the new plan;
• An additional $1.5 million for upgrades to county buildings;
• Reallocating $1 million for various county parks infrastructure improvements.

Some of the projects are key health and safety projects. For example, $7 million has been allocated to the county's new 911 call center.

"Earlier this month — as thousands of homes were battered by a major storm — we learned that our 911 system is not ready for a deluge of emergency calls," Mangano said. "That problem can now be addressed immediately."

The capital plan reallocations will be heard by the Nassau County Legislature's Rules Committee on April 7.