Politics & Government

Gas Reserve Set Up On Long Island, In Case Another Superstorm Hits

Fuel NY Initiative would allow the region to tap into more than 3 million gallons of gas held locally at Northville Industries.

Nearly one year after a post-Hurricane Sandy gas shortage caused panic and long lines at local pumps, a gas reserve has been set up to make sure the fuel keeps flowing when the next emergency hits.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Saturday officially launched the pilot Fuel NY Initiative, which would allow the region to tap into more than 3 million gallons of gas held locally at Northville Industries, which has terminals and storage tanks in Port Jefferson, Setauket and Holtsville.

The governor said Northville won the contract after a competitive billing process, though the contract still needs approval.

“The gap in gasoline supplies during Superstorm Sandy was incredibly disruptive to the daily routines of New Yorkers who needed to get to school and work as well as the operations of businesses during an already difficult time. Fuel NY will make our energy infrastructure stronger and better prepared than it ever was before,” Cuomo said in a statement.

The $10 million program will mostly support Long Island in the case of another emergency, but the governor said the reserves could be shipped to other parts of the state if the fuel is needed.


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