FEMA to reimburse city for dune walkovers

Schumer, Gillibrand announce $4.1 million in funding to cover Sandy damages

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U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced last week that more than $5 million in federal Hurricane Sandy aid had been earmarked for Long Island, $4.1 million of which will go to Long Beach to replace city-owned dune walkovers and beach access mats, or mobi-mats, that were damaged in the storm.

“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,” Councilwoman Eileen Goggin said in a statement. “After the storm, the city worked tirelessly to restore beach access.”

Additionally, more than $1 million in federal funding will be provided to Jones Beach State Park as a result of Sandy's storm surge. The funding is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance program.

“Long Island’s much-loved beaches like Long Beach and Jones Beach State Park were seriously destroyed by Superstorm Sandy and in need of repairs,” Schumer said in a statement. “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.”

“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,” Gillibrand added. “Restoring 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.”

Sandy's storm surge forced the city to rebuild 19 dune walkovers, 13 of them west of the boardwalk and six to the east, as well as 30 mobi-mats along the shoreline.

The walkovers were built slightly higher than the previous structures to allow the dunes to grow in underneath, and were designed to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

The project hit a delay last year when debris was discovered underneath some dunes and required a redesign, and construction of some walkovers is ongoing.