Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $16,468,030 in federal funding to be used for repairs at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Flushing. The funding will be provided to the New York Office of Management and Budget and will be used to repair and replace several electrical units at the World’s Fair Park, which were severely damaged during Hurricane Sandy. The funding will also be used to implement mitigation measures to prevent future flooding damage.
“The World’s Fair Pavilion is an enduring icon and it should be preserved and promoted for current and future generations,” said Senator Charles E. Schumer. “Now the pavilion is being restored and these federal funds will be used to repair damages caused by Superstorm Sandy and help yet another community asset recover after the storm.”
“The World’s Fair Pavilion is one of Flushing’s iconic sites. This funding is an important investment that will help repair the electric components of many of the park’s facilities, including the vaults, concession area, boathouse, main area, and comfort station,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These fixes are an important step in recovering from the damage that Hurricane Sandy caused and will help revitalize the World’s Fair Pavilion for future generations to enjoy.”
“This is a tremendous investment toward repair and resiliency in the park on the part of Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand that will recover a national treasure here in Queens,” said Borough President Katz. “With these additional resources for electrical and structural improvements, we are well on our way to restore and illuminate this historic, architectural marvel into a visible icon befitting The World’s Borough.”
Hurricane Sandy caused damage to electrical components at the World’s Fair Pavilion. The funding will specifically be used to conduct the following repairs:
- Electrical Vaults: Funding will be used to remove and replace the disconnect switches, transformers, distribution panels, exhaust fans, and wiring of eight electrical vaults. In addition, hazard mitigation measures will be completed to prevent future, reoccurring damages. This will include dry flood proofing the vaults to protect the electrical equipment, installing a roof hatch above flood elevation level, and installing pumps in each vault to remove any water that leaks in.
- Concession: Funding will be used to remove and replace a switch, boost transformers, lighting panel, time clock, fuse box, and wiring at the concession.
- Boathouse: Funding will be used to remove and replace the electrical cabinet, receptacles, wiring, and mechanical equipment including a burner, solenoid valve and pressure gauge.
- Meadow Lake (main area): Funding will be used to remove and replace wire at the power service feeders, telephone cable and other wiring.
- Comfort Station: Funding will be used to remove and replace the meter pan, safety switch, panel board, light switches, receptacles, hand dryers, and wiring.
This grant was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA provides funding for infrastructure upgrades under Section 406 of the Stafford Act, the federal disaster law that supplies aid to states and localities to implement long-term resiliency measures after a major disaster. More information is available here.