Washington, DC - February 25, 2014 - U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $12,171,897 in federal funding for Nassau County for Sandy-related debris removal at seven local-government owned waterways. The funding is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“After Superstorm Sandy struck Long Island, some of Nassau County’s most treasured waterways were ridden with various forms of debris and even abandoned boats,” said Schumer. “This federal funding will help provide Nassau County with the money it needs for the tremendous amount of work it will be undertaking to clear debris from seven waterways around the county. These federal funds will also go a long way toward ensuring that Nassau County residents do not have to foot the entire bill for storm cleanup.”
“Nassau County suffered severe damage and this federal funding will provide much needed relief for Long Island families and businesses impacted by Superstorm Sandy,” said Gillibrand. “It is critical that Nassau County has the necessary resources on the ground to continue to recover and rebuild.”
"I commend Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their continued commitment to ensuring Nassau County receives the Federal funds needed for residents to rebuild their lives and for government to clean our communities and waterways,” said Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. “These new funds will go a long way in protecting swimmers, boaters and marine life from debris that still remains in our waterways.”
Superstorm Sandy brought strong winds and heavy rains to the New York tri-state area, resulting in vegetative debris, construction & demolition debris, and approximately 112 abandoned and/or derelict vessels strewn throughout local waterways in Nassau County. The seven waterways with debris slated for removal are located in: Town of Hempstead, Town of Oyster Bay, City of Long Beach, Village of Atlantic Beach, Village of Cedarhurst, Village of Freeport, and Village of Island Park.
FEMA has awarded Nassau County $12,171,897 in federal funds to remove Hurricane Sandy debris from seven Nassau waterways. This is in addition to the over $53 million in federal funding for the Nassau County Public Works that Schumer announced in September 2013. That funding also went toward Sandy-related debris removal.