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Suffolk County’s Proposal 2 was overwhelmingly approved by a margin of 72 to 28 percent, according to the Suffolk County Board of Elections.
It will add a one-eighth of a cent sales tax increase – or 12.5 cents on every $100 spent – to expand the sewer system. It would also provide tax-free grants to Suffolk County homeowners on septic systems to connect directly to the sewer system.
Any revenue generated by the new tax can only be used to improve water quality in Suffolk County.
Among those who urged passage of Proposition 2 is the environmental nonprofit The Nature Conservancy, which said it would stop the harmful effects of excess nitrogen from sewage polluting the area’s waterways.
“These clean water projects will create thousands of good jobs, revitalize business districts, increase property values, and restore our local bays and harbors,” the organization said.
Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri Jr. is also urging its passage, telling CBS New York, “It’s an extremely important referendum.”
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