The state is sending millions of dollars to help improve septic and wastewater treatment systems in both Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Northport Village officials say more than 100 homes there that sit on what used to be an old gravel pit require an adequate sewer system to help preserve water in the harbor.

Right now, those homes mostly rely on outdated cesspools, which allow high levels of nitrogen to escape and seep into the harbor and Huntington Bay.

Wednesday, officials there learned they would receive a $5 million grant for sewer expansion.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced more than $84 million for Long Island as part of the state's regional economic development initiative.

The grants will fund business development, education and occupational training -- alongside millions for infrastructure upgrades to improve water quality.

"These are all projects that will upgrade sewer infrastructure, reduce pollution to both groundwater and to our bays and beaches, help our economy and protect public health," says Adrienne Esposito, of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

The state created different economic council regions and allowed them to compete for more than $755 million in funding. Long Island is the No.1-ranked region in the competition.