U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand today announced $4,712,320.36 in federal funding to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for the permanent repairs of the Cross Bay Bridge as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under authority of Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
“Superstorm Sandy damaged Rockaway’s critical infrastructure like the Cross Bay Bridge, which connects the community with the rest of Queens and beyond,” said Senator Schumer. “I am pleased to announce $4.7 million in FEMA funding which will help repair and protect the Cross Bay Bridge in the event of a future storm.”
“This funding to support critical repairs and hazard mitigation for Rockaway’s Cross Bay Bridge is important for Rockaways families,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This bridge is a key link for the Rockaways community to the rest of New York City. We saw how Superstorm Sandy tore through the Rockaways and damaged the Cross Bay Bridge and we must now help strengthen the bridge’s eroded and decaying structure.”
“The Cross Bay Bridge is one of only three evacuation routes for Rockaway families and an important part of our evacuation plans. I applaud Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for securing federal funding to repair the bridge and ensure the continued safety and mobility of our families in Rockaway and Broad Channel,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder.
The Cross Bay Bridge is a half mile, six-lane bridge which connects the Rockaway peninsula to the rest of Queens, the Belt Parkway and the Southern State Parkway. Superstorm Sandy caused severe flooding and wind damage at the Cross Bay Bridge and its support building facilities owned, operated and maintained by the MTA Bridges and Tunnel Agency. Flooding and storm surge caused erosion at the North bridge abutment as well as flood damage to the Ramp D Transformer Vault and Electrical Room, Service Building, Female Bridge and Tunnel Officers Trailer, Internal Security and Clerk Trailer Complex and North Toll Plaza.
Funding will be used for permanent repairs and hazard mitigation. Specifically, funding will be used to repair damages to the roadway approach fore slope and bridge abutment fore slope on the north end of the Cross Bay Bridge, including slope stabilization, fill and rip rap with hazard mitigation of additional riprap and gabions to protect the damaged fore slope areas. Additionally, repairs at the Ramp D Transformer Vault and Electrical Room include switchgear, low voltage cabinet, control panel, transformer and electrical components with hazard mitigation to raise electrical equipment above flood elevation. Funding will also be used to clean, repair and replace damaged elements at the Service Building, Internal Security and Clerk Trailer Complex, and North End Toll Plaza. Funding will be used for hazard mitigation at the Service Building, including dry flood proofing to protect the mechanical equipment and raising the substation transformer to above flood elevation. Lastly, funding will be used to replace the Female Bridge and Tunnel Officers Trailer and facility fencing repair and replacement.