Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford (R-Long Beach) recently approved a compromised version of the 2005 Capital Plan. The compromise will allow the County to commence with projects that will improve infrastructure such as roadways and buildings. In addition, by approving the plan, the Legislature gave approval to the County Executive to commit $5 million to purchase an improved radio communications network for the Police Department and $2.5 million (which will be matched by the state) to Nassau County Community College for upgrades to their antiquated student registration system. "The Community College will now have the necessary funding to upgrade their website to allow students to register over the internet. The new radio system will allow greater communication between patrol cars for increased safety of our residents and police officers. The Police Department and Nassau Community College will receive necessary resources that are long overdue," said Legislator Ford.

The approval of the Capital Plan will result in the spending of approximately $96 million this year on park and road improvements as well as other capital projects. The Republican Legislators had refused to commit to the plan unless the County Executive eliminated $60 million in spending and ensured that police precincts remained at their present location. "I am pleased that we were able to work out a compromise so work can be started to improve the County's crumbling infrastructure. The approval of the new police radio system and the upgrades to Nassau Community College's computer registration program were too important to be used as a political issue. My delegation was committed in making sure these important items were not held up due to partisan politics," added Legislator Ford.

The residents of the 4th Legislative District will directly benefit from the approval of the capital plan. Nickerson Beach, located in Lido Beach, will continue to receive major upgrades to the facility's infrastructure. In addition, money is earmarked for improvements to Lido Boulevard. These improvements are in part due to the response of the community during a hearing held by Legislator Ford. Along with road improvements, the pumping station on Mott Street will be rehabilitated to better serve the residents of Long Beach. "The Legislature's approval of the compromised Capital Plan will allow the County to move forward with a number of important projects in Long Beach and the surrounding communities and maintain the 4th precinct at its current location," added Legislator Ford.