Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,973,384.77 in federal funding for the Hudson River Park Trust. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under authority of Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act and will be used as a reimbursement for ongoing repairs to the electrical feeder at the Hudson River Park Pier 40 in Manhattan. The Hudson River Park’s electrical system was damaged during Superstorm Sandy.
“New York City’s waterfront park, Hudson River Park Pier 40, was damaged by Superstorm Sandy and is in need of repairs. This federal investment will help bring the electrical system back to working condition and help make sure that local taxpayers are not on the hook for these funds,” said Senator Schumer.
“It’s been more than two years since Superstorm Sandy but New York is still rebuilding and these investments remain critical,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This new funding will help restore the electrical system at the popular Pier 40, and I’ll continue to fight for the resources to make all of the necessary repairs.”
“Restoring Pier 40 was critical to the parks operations” said Hudson River Park Trust President and CEO Madelyn Wils. “We want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their sustained commitment and support in our mission to build and maintain Hudson River Park”.
Hudson River Park is the longest waterfront park in the country, and receives more than 17 million visits per year. Pier 40 is one of the most important commercial properties in Hudson River Park, and with a footprint of 15 acres, is the largest pier structure on the Hudson River. Its giant athletic fields are used by a diverse community and hosts hundreds of thousands of individuals each year. The Pier also houses the Hudson River Park Trust administrative office and a commercial parking garage. Pier 40 plays an integral role in supporting the Park as whole, and funds approximately 30% of the annual Hudson River Park operating budget.
Funding for Disaster Relief is administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA’s primary purpose comprises of coordinating disaster relief efforts within the United States and its territories.