North Hempstead, NY - July 29, 2015 - Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington) announced a $4,142,815.50 federal grant for the Town of North Hempstead to repair damage caused more than two years ago by Superstorm Sandy. This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance grant will be used to remove sediment buildup in the bay around North Hempstead Town Dock and help increase boat access to the dock.
“The Town of North Hempstead’s shoreline was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy, resulting in a large amount of sediment that blocked the navigable channel leading to the Town Dock,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal investment will help fund the removal needed without leaving local taxpayers entirely on the hook for these expenses.”
“This critical FEMA funding will help provide much needed resources on the ground to help rebuild as recovery efforts continue,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Superstorm Sandy devastated our communities and this federal funding will help cover the cost of removing sediment buildup in the bay around North Hempstead Town Dock. I will continue to fight for funding to rebuild our infrastructure even stronger so we can be prepared when the next storm hits.”
“Before Superstorm Sandy, Town Dock was an active hub for boat traffic going to and from Main Street in Port Washington. This grant will help ensure that fisherman, water taxis, law enforcement and boating enthusiasts can easily access the town and help boost the local economy. This is an exciting step forward in the revitalization of Town Dock,” said Rep. Israel.
“Superstorm Sandy certainly had quite an impact on our Town and on our waterways. This funding from FEMA, will once again allow boats of all sizes to utilize our Manhasset Bay and Town Dock while also allowing us to re-open our full complement of mooring space for boaters. I appreciate Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Congressman Israel’s continued advocacy on behalf of the Town and our residents as we work together to rebuild North Hempstead stronger and more fortified than before,” said North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth.
Before Superstorm Sandy, boats were able to freely access the dock without incident. However, after Sandy, a large amount of sediment built up and prevented many larger boats from leaving or entering the harbor at any time other than high tide. Currently, boats 85 feet and longer cannot enter at low tide, including 130 foot dinner cruise boats that frequented Town Dock. Aside from preventing access to the dock, the town also lost a number of moorings that allowed boats to be kept in the harbor. This grant will remove this sediment buildup and provide a navigable channel to access the dock.
The federal grant totals $4,142,815.50 and is a 90% share of the $4,603,128.33 total cost of the project. FEMA Public Assistance grants are important federal investments intended to restore damaged structures or facilities to pre-storm condition and reimburse communities for emergency response efforts during and following Superstorm Sandy.