U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced over $5 million in federal Sandy relief funding for Long Island. Specifically, $4.1 million in federal funding will be provided to the city of Long Beach to replace city-owned dune overwalks and mobi-mats (beach access mats) damaged in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. In addition, over $1 million in federal funding will be provided to Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for permanent work of the Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, which was damaged in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The funding is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.
“Long Island’s much loved beaches like Long Beach and Jones Beach State Park were seriously destroyed by Superstorm Sandy and are in need of repairs,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding will help make sure that local taxpayers are not on the hook entirely for these expenses and I am pleased to announce this necessary funding.”
“These long-awaited federal funds are a welcome relief for Long Island beaches,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As communities continue to recover from Superstorm Sandy, these FEMA funds will help ensure that local residents are not stuck footing the bill alone for damages caused by the storm. Restoring the Jones Beach State Park and Long Beach, will boost the area’s economy and enables families throughout the area to enjoy for generations to come.”
“Our beach is a very important part of our city; it is where we spend countless hours of enjoyment and relaxation and is essential in driving our local economy. After the storm, the city worked tirelessly to restore beach access. We sincerely thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their continued support, helping us rebuild stronger, smarter, and safer,” said City Councilwoman Eileen J. Goggin.
A FEMA funding award provides $4,119,729 to the city of Long Beach. Storm surge from Hurricane Sandy destroyed 19 city-owned and maintained dune walkovers and 30 mobi-mats (beach access mats) along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. The city of Long Beach utilized force account materials to replace the mobi-mats and engaged contract services to replace the dune walkovers.
A FEMA funding award also provides $1,017,755 in federal funding to the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for permanent work of the Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh. Storm surge from Superstorm Sandy flooded multiple sites at the Jones Beach State Park, specifically: electrical vaults located at the East and West Ball Field, Golf Course and Field 6 damaging electrical panels, switch gears, lighting contractors, electrical panel buss bar, circuit breakers, terminal box and electrical meters. In addition, funding will go toward boardwalk lighting including damages to several light poles, junction boxes, wiring and conduit. Funding will also go towards multiple pump stations and one sewer station damages included motors and associated electrical components as well as the central mall circuit breaker and electrical panels.