Posted on March 27, 2024
State officials have announced the approval of federal funds by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to advance significant repairs of a damaged coastal project on Fire Island following a series of devastating coastal storms.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers disbursed $3.5 million to its New York District Office to expedite project engineering and design.
To advance repairs, the New York District is undertaking a detailed survey of existing topographical conditions, information that is essential to the engineering and design of the project.
New York state previously allocated $3 million to Suffolk County for an interim project to immediately reduce risk to the most vulnerable Fire Island communities. It is nearing completion.
“I will do everything I can to keep New Yorkers safe, especially the communities most vulnerable to extreme weather,” Gov. Hochul said in a news release. “With increasingly frequent and extreme storms, New York is working hard to protect our communities, homes and infrastructure. I am grateful to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for its expedited response to our request for emergency repairs.”
The approval of funding will trigger efforts to institute resilience and repair measures in eastern Fire Island communities ranging from Ocean Bay Park in the west to Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, and Davis Park to the east.
In prepared remarks, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, “Only through the partnership between all levels of government can we address this critical issue. Suffolk County is thankful for this assistance and support in our efforts to safeguard our shorelines.”
