Governor Hochul Announces MTA Long Island Rail Road Acquires Portion of Former Lawrence Aviation Site, Securing Property for Potential Port Jefferson Modernization Improvements

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) acquired more than 46 acres of land in Port Jefferson Station in a move that secures the property for potential future Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) infrastructure needs. The parcel, at 100 Sheep Pasture Road, is part of a larger 126-acre property often referred to as the Lawrence Aviation Site after the aeronautic sheet metal manufacturer that vacated in 2003 and was its last occupant. The MTA bought the land for $10 from the Suffolk County Land Bank.

"When we signed legislation in July, we protected the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway while preserving the ability to improve rail service on Long Island into the future," Governor Hochul said. "Today, we deliver on that commitment by securing this property and ensuring that the Port Jefferson community has this beloved greenway permanently preserved while also allowing the MTA to plan for long-term upgrades to LIRR service for tens of thousands of riders. This is a win-win for transportation and green space on Long Island."

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, "We've invested almost $20 billion in the LIRR over the last 10 years - Grand Central Madison, Double Track, Third Track, the new Penn Station concourse, and so much more. Now, thanks to Governor Hochul, we have a new opportunity to explore service and reliability upgrades for the Port Jefferson branch through this land deal."

Long Island Rail Road President Rob Free said, "As we develop our capital plans, we always look for opportunities to address possible infrastructure needs in the future - especially as the busiest commuter railroad in the country. Securing this land gives us the flexibility to plan for the railroad's expansion and modernization opportunities."

State Senator Monica R. Martinez said, "Long Island cannot build the transportation network of tomorrow if we do not preserve the space necessary to build it today. The MTA's acquisition of this property keeps open the possibility of a future modernization of the Port Jefferson Branch, including the infrastructure that would be needed to support eventual electrification and expanded rail service. I thank the MTA for taking this important first step and preserving an opportunity that could become a significant economic driver for our region."

Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said, "Today, New York State and the MTA took a meaningful step towards modernizing and electrifying the Port Jefferson LIRR line. This acquisition of more than 46 acres near the terminus of the Port Jeff line is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advance much-needed and long-awaited rail transit improvements. I am very proud to have sponsored the legislation that permanently preserved the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway. In addition to the enormous relief of knowing this trail will forever be open space in our community, this legislation resolved a long-standing land use conflict that previously prevented this acquisition and planning from moving forward. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation in July and for her partnership in helping move this critical infrastructure project forward. Today's acquisition is the first in a series of investments necessary to electrify the line, deliver a one-seat-ride from our region to the city, improve local air quality, and advance more reliable rail service for our neighbors. I am excited to see this project moving forward and will continue working with our civic partners and colleagues at every level of government to realize the full potential of this acquisition."

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, "The Lawrence Aviation property sale represents a major investment in Suffolk County's north shore. Thanks to our collaboration with New York State and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority this community blight is transforming into a clean energy and transportation asset."

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Daniel Panico said, "This represents another important step toward creating a positive future for a property once scarred by industrial use. Years ago, the Town of Brookhaven preserved more than 46 acres of surrounding woodlands for our community and our environment. Now, on the previously cleared portion of the property, we are taking another step forward with this latest solar installation-creating clean energy on land that was once polluted. I thank everyone involved in transforming this property and helping create a cleaner, brighter future for generations to come."

Village of Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow said, "This is a historic day for this community and for all of Long Island. After 10 years of hard work by a broad coalition of stakeholders, an environmentally impacted site that was a blight on our community is instead a greenway asset that families will continue to enjoy for generations to come, and the lynch pin for the future electrification of the Port Jefferson Branch of the Long Island Railroad. Thankfully, long-term thinking has prevailed. We appreciate Governor Hochul's efforts to get this over the finish line."

The purchase was made possible by enabling legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in July that protected the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway while retaining the MTA's right to, if future needs arise, build a railyard for the Port Jefferson Branch of the LIRR. In the event of railyard construction, the New York State Department of Transportation would preserve this greenway by relocating it.

With responsibility for preserving the greenway clearly identified, the legislation essentially granted the MTA the flexibility to consider building a yard on the site as a necessary part of future improvements to the Port Jefferson Branch.

While there are no current plans or funding for the type of Port Jefferson Branch improvements that would require a railyard at the site, the acquisition preserves the railroad's ability to keep those opportunities open and evaluate them as part of its long-term planning.