U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced $1,197,251.53 in federal funding for Sandy-related repairs to Staten Island. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) used for ongoing repairs as a result of natural disasters. The funding was awarded to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYCDPR) and will be used for structural renovations to the Midland Beach Parking Lot where two parking areas sustained damage. Midland Beach Parking Lot was used as a temporary debris storage site after Superstorm Sandy.
“Superstorm Sandy unfortunately destroyed some of Staten Island’s key infrastructure and we need to make sure they are repaired so that families can enjoy them for years to come,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding will help New York City rebuild the Midland Beach parking lot without putting a heavy burden on local taxpayers.”
“I am pleased Staten Island will get this federal funding to help cover the cost of repairing damages to parks throughout the borough caused by Superstorm Sandy,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Superstorm Sandy devastated our communities, and this critical FEMA funding will help provide much needed resources on the ground to help rebuild as recovery efforts continue I’ll continue to fight for funding so we can rebuild even stronger and be ready when the next storm hits.”
Sandy impacted New Yorkers across Staten Island and throughout our city – from homes and businesses, to the parks facilities on which families rely,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This funding marks yet another step forward as we continue to expedite relief and build a stronger, more resilient Staten Island and New York City.”
“We thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for advocating for Staten Island parks and parks citywide,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “With the support of Mayor de Blasio we are creating a more resilient New York City for all and this funding will help us make further repairs to our parks and playgrounds that were severely damaged during Hurricane Sandy.”
Funding for disaster relief is administered through FEMA, which coordinates disaster relief within the United States and its territories.