$336 million coastal resiliency project spanning from Far Rockaway to Neponsit is part of Army Corps-led efforts to reduce coastal flood risk on the Atlantic Coast and along Jamaica Bay
On the 8th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Colonel Matthew W. Luzzatto today announced the start of construction on the Rockaways – Atlantic Shorefront Project, which will protect communities and strengthen the shoreline along six miles of the Rockaway Peninsula. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-led project consists of a reinforced dune system designed to block storm surge and new and extended tapered groins. These stone groins are jetty-like structures extending out into the ocean intended to trap sand and reduce beach erosion and help maintain a critical natural buffer between the Atlantic Ocean and local communities.
“Eight years ago, Hurricane Sandy devastated our city and our shoreline,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We committed to building back stronger than ever, and I am thankful for our federal and state partners for working together to make this critically important project come to life. Together, we are protecting our shoreline and creating a more resilient New York City.”
“Climate change is already impacting our everyday lives, and the Rockaways are at the forefront of damaging flooding from strong and more frequent coastal storms driven by warmer temperatures,” Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said. “New York State is proud to partner on this project as part of our ongoing efforts to help New York City and communities across the state build back stronger, smarter, and more resilient.”
“This crucial resiliency project represents a tremendous effort to reinforce the shoreline and coast. Bolstering six miles of resiliency to reduce the devastating impacts of coastal storms saves lives, reduces property and economic damage," said Colonel Matthew Luzzatto, Commander of the New York District. “I would like to thank all of our partners at the federal, state and city level who worked to move this project forward during this tumultuous time.”
"Ever since Hurricane Sandy devastated the Rockaways, I have fought tooth and nail to secure hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild homes, schools, and playgrounds, as well as construct a new boardwalk, stone groins, and reinforced dunes across the Atlantic shorefront to protect this community from future superstorms," said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. "With this important project finally underway, the beaches of the Rockaways – from Far Rockaway to Neponsit – will soon match the resilience of the people who live alongside them. I thank my federal, state, and local partners – especially Mayor Bill de Blasio – for working so hard to get us to this point, and I look forward to when we can all gather together to celebrate this milestone in person with the community. And then go for a relaxing swim and a stroll on the boardwalk."
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