Mineola, NY - Residents living in the 5th Legislative District of Nassau County will be noticing some improvements thanks to the efforts of Legislator Joseph Scannell (D-Baldwin).

In spite of a reduction in the amount of money the County plans to spend on capital improvements in 2003, Legislator Scannell was able to secure funds for some of the projects that impact the health, safety and welfare of residents within the communities he serves. Among them, the replacement of bulk heading at Milburn Pond in Baldwin and a bridge removal project at Milburn Creek in the Brookside Preserve.

The Milburn Creek/Brookside Preserve project involves the removal of a bridge/culvert structure which is responsible for restricting the flow of water in the creek and causing severe flooding in a segment of residential homes on Felix Court in Baldwin.

The runoff at Milburn Creek runs from north to south through the communities of Roosevelt, Freeport and Baldwin. While Milburn Creek is formerly a flowing fresh water creek, it now serves as a drainage channel to route storm water runoff to Milburn Pond and the South Shore Estuary. During periods of intense rainfall, the creek cannot handle the runoff efficiently and floods adjacent properties and roads.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has indicated that the culvert can be removed and the area restored utilizing low cost and effective techniques to prevent erosion and improve the habitat for fish.

"It is vitally important that we undertake a capital improvement program even while the County is struggling to regain its fiscal footing. We cannot allow the infrastructure of this County to deteriorate and the quality of life for residents to diminish while we work toward financial solvency. We need to stay on top of these projects," said Legislator Scannell.