U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand today announced over $4 million in federal funding for the Town of Brookhaven for the repair of five boardwalks as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding is being provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.
“Superstorm Sandy caused significant damage to the boardwalks in Brookhaven,” said Schumer. “I am pleased to announce this necessary federal funding to repair the boardwalks in Cherry Grove, Davis Park, Ocean Bay Park, Water Island and Fire Island Pines. This critical funding will ensure Long Islanders don’t have to shoulder the entire burden of these expenses.”
“The boardwalks on Fire Island were 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.”
“Our Fire Island communities play a critical part of our summer tourist economy in the Town of Brookhaven. After the devastation that Hurricane Sandy on the boardwalks of our barrier beach, many thought that this season would be lost. However, through the hard work of Fire Island businesses and homeowners and the assistance of the Federal and local governments, we were able to declare that Fire Island was ‘Back in Business’ by the Fourth of July weekend,” said Supervisor Romaine. “This could not have been possible without the $4.2 million grant secured by Senator Chuck Schumer to restore the boardwalks in our five Fire Island communities. On behalf of our residents, I want to thank Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for delivering on this promise, and saving the summer tourist season for these communities.”
The Town of Brookhaven, sustained enormous damage as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The town is receiving 4,221,673 to repair the five boardwalks in Cherry Grove, Davis Park, Ocean Bay Park, Water Island and Fire Island Pines. Superstorm Sandy’s storm surge, strong winds and inland flooding severely flooded the five boardwalks. The award captures estimated costs associated with repairing the boardwalks which collectively represent 17,718 linear feet of boardwalk decking, 55 sets of stairs and 6,544 linear feet of wooden railing.