Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos will deploy recycled materials from deconstructed New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) projects and two decommissioned Canal Corp. vessels to the Smithtown Reef as part of the largest expansion of New York’s network of artificial reefs in state history. Directed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, this expansion of New York's network of artificial reefs will improve existing marine habitats, promote biodiversity and environmental sustainability, and boost Long Island's recreational and sport fishing and diving industries.

WHO:              Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos
                       and representatives from DOT and New York State Canals

WHEN:            Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.

WHAT:            Smithtown Reef expansion - 75 tons of steel pipes from deconstructed DOT
                       projects and two 40 foot tenders from Canals will be added to the Smithtown
                       Reef.  

WHERE:          Attendees must R.S.V.P. for this event in order to reserve a spot on the
                        vessels that will travel to the reef site. Please R.S.V.P. to Kevin Frazier
                        at PressOffice@dec.ny.gov or (518) 402-8000.

Media and attendees will board assigned vessels at Kings Park Bluff, 794 Old Dock Rd, Kings Park, NY 11754. Smithtown Reef is located 1.6 nautical miles northwest of the Stony Brook Harbor entrance in Long Island Sound, with depths up to 40 feet. The site is 3 acres in size.