U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Peter King today announced over $1.6 million in funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the restoration and repair of the Robert Moses State Park Boardwalk after it was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. The federal funds are being provided to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
“Superstorm Sandy caused significant damage to the boardwalk at Robert Moses State Park in Babylon,” said Schumer. “This critical funding will go towards repairing this much-loved boardwalk and ensure Long Islanders don’t have to shoulder the entire burden of these expenses.”
“The boardwalk at Robert Moses State Park was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy and the Long Island’s coastal communities suffered severe damage,” Gillibrand said. “This necessary reimbursement is an important step as we continue to meet New York’s needs to recover and rebuild.”
“This funding is another important step in Long Island’s recovery from Superstorm Sandy and will go a long way to repairing and restoring a great boardwalk,” said King.
“I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congressman King for securing funding for these much need repairs,” said Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “Robert Moses State Beach is a staple of summertime on the south shore of Long Island and the return of this iconic boardwalk, without burdening local taxpayers, is fantastic news for all residents.”
Storm surges from Superstorm Sandy destroyed 24,590 square feet of the Robert Moses State Park Boardwalk, necessitating replacement of all the wooden girders, stringers, bridging, decking and aluminum handrails. Reconstruction of the boardwalk will involve replacement of these disaster-damaged components, including the installing of 26,885 square feet of Brazilian walnut decking.
The award provides $1,683,997 in federal funds and has been scheduled for obligation in July 2013. This funding is being provided by FEMA under authority of Section 406 of the Stafford Act.