Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $3.5 million state funding initiative for Tobay and Overlook beaches. This funding comes in response to the extensive storm damage and erosion caused by recurrent coastal storms.
The aim of this investment is to enhance the resilience of the south shoreline of Long Island. Local towns, along with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, have joined forces to make this project possible.
Their collaboration reflects a multi-million dollar commitment to safeguard and bolster the Long Island shoreline. Governor Hochul emphasized that the safety of New Yorkers is her utmost concern.
She highlighted the importance of the ongoing collaboration between the state, local, and federal authorities in order to create more resilient and secure beaches on Long Island.
The primary objective of this initiative is to ensure the well-being of the communities and the preservation of the coastal infrastructure, ultimately mitigating any potential erosion issues.
This announcement comes as a response to the considerable damage and erosion caused by extreme weather events, which have been amplified by climate change. The primary objective of this initiative is to address the risks faced by coastal communities.
By undertaking this work, we aim to repair the damage inflicted on shorelines, protect the communities residing in these areas, and safeguard valuable recreational assets from the impact of severe weather conditions. Additionally, this endeavor will also contribute to job creation, providing a much-needed boost to local economies.
The protection of the south shore mainland communities in western Suffolk County heavily relies on the Jones Beach Barrier Island. To fortify this area, the project involves dredging the Fire Island Inlet and depositing around 1.25 million cubic yards of sand at Gilgo State Park, Tobay Beach, and Overlook Beach.
In January, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) gave the green light to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) urgent plea for assistance in swiftly restoring coastal damage.
The south shore of Long Island, where numerous USACE Coastal Storm Risk Management Projects are located, experienced severe devastation as a result of a string of powerful storms.
New York State thoroughly documented the significant damage to these coastal resiliency projects, emphasizing the urgent need for emergency repairs. The objective of this effort is to enhance public safety and minimize the extensive losses experienced by these communities.
According to Sean Mahar, the Interim Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, enhancing coastal resilience in the midst of climate change necessitates a collaborative effort.
Mahar expressed pride in the department’s partnership with Governor Hochul, State Parks, the Army Corps of Engineers, and various local partners in facilitating post-storm recovery and restoration.
He emphasized that the department’s team of coastal and water quality experts will remain committed to advancing vital projects and mitigating future damages in communities across Long Island.
“We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her unwavering support and dedication to Long Island,” expressed Randy Simons, the Commissioner Pro Tempore of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with federal partners to assist the affected individuals and shed light on the destructive impact of climate change and severe storms. Recognizing the devastating consequences of storm surges, Simons commended the efforts of the USACE in rebuilding a more resilient shoreline.”
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his satisfaction with the federal investments in coastal resiliency that he secured. He emphasized the importance of these investments in protecting lives, homes, and businesses across a large area of Long Island.
Schumer ensured that the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (FIMP) received full federal funding due to its critical role in mitigating storm surges. He commended the Army Corps of Engineers for their exceptional work in executing this maintenance and effectively utilizing the dredged materials.
Schumer also acknowledged the partnership and commitment of New York, Supervisor Saladino, and Supervisor Schaefer in promoting coastal resiliency.
He eagerly anticipated the completion of the Jones Inlet dredging and Gilgo projects, which will enhance safety for boaters and first responders while replenishing local beaches with over 1.25 million cubic yards of sand.
Babylon Town Supervisor, Rich Schaffer, expressed his gratitude to Governor Hochul for her dedication to the Town of Babylon. He emphasized the significance of this investment in preserving the beaches and the communities that rely on them.
Recognizing the importance of tackling erosion and fortifying the shoreline, Schaffer believes that this initiative will play a pivotal role in safeguarding residents and maintaining the integrity of essential recreational areas against future storms.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino expressed gratitude for the recognition given by New York State to the importance of TOBAY Beach to the local community.
After years of enduring destructive storms that regularly impact the beach, Saladino expressed appreciation to Governor Hochul for prioritizing the restoration of Tobay Beach.
“We are delighted to move forward with the implementation of this coastal storm risk reduction project, which aims to enhance the resilience of the Long Island communities,” expressed Colonel Alex Young, the Commander of USACE New York District.
He further extended his gratitude to Governor Hochul, the New York State DEC, and all the partners at the federal, state, and local levels for their unwavering support.
Governor Hochul has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at safeguarding the people of New York through enhanced resiliency measures. The plan is designed to protect New Yorkers from the impacts of various challenges, including climate change, extreme weather events, and public health crises.
By implementing this resiliency plan, Governor Hochul aims to ensure the well-being and safety of all residents in the face of potential threats.
This initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to proactive and strategic measures that will enhance the state’s ability to withstand and recover from various adversities.
Earlier this year, Governor Hochul unveiled an all-encompassing resiliency plan aimed at safeguarding New Yorkers from the impacts of extreme weather events.
This initiative was announced as part of her 2024 State of the State address, and it includes a proposed budget allocation of $435 million to support the implementation of various resilience measures. Notable highlights of the plan include:
Creating the ‘Resilient & Ready’ Program to establish a flexible fund to support resiliency efforts for low- and moderate-income homeowners ahead of future storms.
The program will enable State Homes and Community Renewal to assist households that experience flood damage to make necessary repairs in the aftermath of storms and will cover the cost of proactive flood mitigation improvements.
Creating the Blue Buffers Voluntary Buyout Program, with $250 million included in the 2024-25 Executive Budget to encourage buyouts in communities most vulnerable to flooding.
The program will prioritize outreach and education first and then begin identifying voluntary projects based on the level of flood risk, ensuring we protect our communities that are most vulnerable to high water and storm surges.
Making major investments in statewide disaster response to put more boots on the ground, improve training and preparedness, and address evolving threats as they come.
Update Coastal Erosion Hazard Area (CEHA) Maps, which are essential to the protection of beaches, dunes and bluffs that maintain and enhance flood resilience, so that communities and permit applicants quickly determine if a property is within a CEHA.
