FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2015
MEDIA CONTACTS: Carole Trottere, Ryan Mulholland, Sam Marksheid, and Rebecca Cheng | (516) 869-7794
Bosworth, Schumer, Gillibrand, and Israel Announce FEMA Funding for Town Dock
North Hempstead, NY – Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth has joined with Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington) in announcing a federal grant totaling $4,142,815.50 to repair damage done to Manhasset Bay during Hurricane Sandy. The grant, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), along with $460,312.83 in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will cover the cost of dredging Manhasset Bay, ridding it of accumulated sediment that blocked inner parts of the harbor to boaters.
The total cost of the funding from FEMA and HUD totals more than $4.6 million.
Supervisor Bosworth said of the grant, “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.”
“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. This federal investment will help fund the removal needed without leaving local taxpayers entirely on the hook for these expenses,” said Senator Schumer.
“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.
Following Hurricane Sandy, inner parts of Manhasset Bay around Town Dock became inaccessible to many boats because of the sediment accumulated beneath the surface of the water. As a result, the Town lost many of its moorings that offer boaters a place to tie-off while they visit the many businesses in downtown Port Washington. Any boat larger than 85 feet is currently excluded from Town Dock except at high tide because of the sediment. The grant that was recently awarded to the Town will remove the sediment and restore Town Dock as a popular destination for boaters and seafaring visitors to Port Washington.
To read more about the FEMA Public Assistance grant, please read the full press release issued by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congressman Israel at http://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-and-israel-announce-federal-grant-to-improve-boat-access-to-town-dock-in-north-hempstead.
As always, for more information about the Town of North Hempstead and other town happenings, please call 311 or visit www.northhempsteadny.gov.
Supervisor Bosworth speaks to volunteer Wally Kupferberg.